Original Article

, Volume: 22( 11) DOI: 10.37532/0974-7419.2022.22(11).225

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Using gas chromatography to analyse environmental data

*Correspondence:

Joe Wilson Managing Editor, Analytical Chemistry: An Indian Journal, United Kingdom. , E-mail: jwilson485@gmail.com

Abstract

Gas chromatography (GC) is still used today to identify and quantify the various environmental contaminants that are present everywhere. In order to analyze numerous classes of persistent organic pollutants in the air, water, soils, sediments, and biota, the present study describes state-of-the-art capillary GC. Techniques for sample preparation are given particular focus. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), insecticides, and halogenated chemicals are the organic pollutant classes that are discussed in this review. The study and use of matter structures with at least one dimension of less than 100 nm (1 nm = one-millionth of a millimeter) are the focus of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Size isn't as significant as low-dimension features, though. The foundation of nanotechnology is the observation that many very small structures frequently exhibit novel characteristics and behavior that are not present in bulk materials of the same composition. The fundamental ideas guiding the creation of nanosensors and their most pertinent applications in the study of the environment are introduced and covered in this overview. We concentrate on the characteristics and distinctive behaviors of nanosensors, many of which are related to their quantum nature.

Keywords

Environmental analysis; Field-portable GC; Gas Chromatography (GC); Halogenated compounds; Pesticides; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs); Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Introduction

GC was among the first chromatographic separation techniques to be created, and it hasn't lost any of its distinction over time. A favorable combination of very high selectivity and resolution, good accuracy and precision, a large dynamic concentration range, and high sensitivity underlies the popularity of Gas Chromatography (GC). The use of GC in novel applications, such as the study of developing organic contaminants like Polychlorinated Alkanes (PCAs) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, is still a viable and increasing measurement technique (PBDEs)

Since nanoscience deals with novel phenomena, new sensor devices are being developed that make use of these phenomena, even though the reduction in the size of the detecting part and/or the transducer in a sensor is important to better miniaturize the devices. It frequently occurs that new effects play a significant role and are connected to quantum mechanics and quantum mechanisms. As a result, crucial traits and quality metrics of the nanosensors can be enhanced as opposed to the case of conventionally modeled systems that are merely scaled back. Examples include the ability to analyze very small amounts of samples, improve sensitivity through improved conduction qualities, lower detection limits, enable direct detection without labels, and eliminate some reagents.

The most labor- and time-intensive task in the analytical process is sample preparation. Numerous techniques have been created with the goal of accomplishing quick, easy, and, if possible, solvent-free or solvent-minimized operations in acknowledgment of the requirement for effective, reliable, and robust sample preparation. The majority of these methods—both established and novel—are employed to examine contaminants in the air, water, soils, sediments, and biota.

Conclusion

The optimal detection method to couple with GCGC is provided by the newest generation of fast-scanning TOFMSs, which can operate at high scan rates (500 scan/s). Although software programs for automated handling and processing of the enormous amount of data generated by these devices will be needed, this linkage will offer a potent technique for the qualitative and quantitative study of complicated environmental samples. It looks possible in the near future to perform real computer-assisted chemical analysis by GCGC with mass spectral detection. This would undoubtedly aid in resolving the issues by analyzing the extremely complex mixes found in the environment.