Multiplex gas chromatography with a hollow fiber membrane interface for determination of trace volatile organic compounds in aqueous samples

Abstract

A multiplex gas chromatographic technique was applied in conjunction with a hollow fiber membrane module to allow rapid routine analysis and long-term continuous monitoring of trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in aqueous samples. This solvent-free method of analysis substantially reduces the sample preparation time by eliminating the preconcentration step. Loss of VOCs was also minimized during the analytical process. The sensitivity of the analysis was greatly enhanced due to multiplex and throughput advantages. The hollow fiber extraction can be performed using two flow rate regimes. At low flow rates, quantitative extraction is ensured, hence the effects of temperature and matrix on recoveries are eliminated