Optimization of Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) for the Recovery of Explosives from Aqueous and Post-Explosion Debris Followed by Gas and Liquid Chromatographic Analysis

• NCJ Number: 184336
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2000 Pages: 857-864
• Author(s): Kenneth G. Furton Ph.D.; Lianming Wu M.S.; Jose R. Almirall Ph.D.
• Date Published: July 2000
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assesses the optimal parameters for the analysis of explosive residues in sample aqueous solutions and samples of real post-explosion solid debris using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (CG-ECD) and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV).

Abstract

A modified SPME/HPLC interface that used dual six-port valves allowed for the independent optimization of SPME desorption and injection variables that provided improved chromatographic resolution and sensitivity. A unique combination of cyano and octadecyl columns resulted in the complete separation of the 14 explosives in EPA method 8330 mixture using HPLC with good quantitative results. At the optimum SPME conditions, the limits of detection were of 5 nanograms per milliliter to 16 nanograms per milliliter of explosives in water and 10 micrograms per kilogram to 40 micrograms per kilogram of explosives from soil. The technique has been successful in analyzing real post-explosion debris and can be adapted for use in the field using portable chromatographic instruments. Figures, tables, and 33 references (Author abstract modified)