Analysis of Long-Chain Alkenones by GC-MIP-AED and Problems Arising from Different Extraction Techniques

Abstract

Analysis of long-chain alkenones (abbreviations as in Fig. 1) have been performed using GC-FID, GC-MS and GC-irmMS systems. Here the application of a gas chromatograph microwave induced plasma atomic emission detector coupling (Quimby and Sullivan, 1990) is described. Special feature of this detector is the ability to record chromatograms at different wavelengths specific for each element at the same time (e.g. C, H, O, N, S). Depending on the intensity of the chosen emission lines, sensitivity is enhanced in comparison to FID for carbon and surpasses the MS for some elements. Routine use of the GC-MIP-AED is made in environmental geochemistry in analysing organo-metal l ic compounds, PCBs and pesticides. Because of its capability to determine elements occurring in eluting compounds and therefore offering empirical formulas it is used as a complementary system to GC-MS in samples with complex matrices. Results