Determination of nanogram level of VSCs using GC-SCD and an adsorption tube

Abstract

A quantitative analytical method was used for detection of low level of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) using GC with a sulfur chemiluminescence detector (SCD) in this study. A linear response over the range of 2-90 ngS injected was obtained with a good repeatability or reproducibility. Equimolar response for H2S, DMS, MeSH, and EtSH was obtained by use of SCD and the response of the SCD is nearly equimolar for different sulfur compounds. It was possible to quantify the total VSCs as well as individual VSC using one of the standard VSCs. VSC recovery was measured with respect to some storing methods. An adsorption tube packed with molecular sieve 5A showed almost perfect recovery for both H2S and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) during 6 days at a dark state below 2degrees. Whereas, with a gas tight pyrex vial or tedlar bag, it was impossible to obtain the recovery of 50% after 6 days. It is strongly recommended to use the adsorption tube for determination of nanogram levels of volatile sulfur compounds and for storing and concentrating VSCs effectively with a minimum experimental error.