Trace analysis of explosives at the low nanogram level in handswab extracts using columns of amberlite xad-7 porous polymmer beads and silica capillary column gas chromatography with thermal energy analysis and electron-capture detection

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Thermal energy analysis (TEA) was compared with electron-capture detection (ECD) for the analysis of explosives both as pure compounds and in spiked handswabs by silica capillary column gas chromatography. TEA was shown to approach the sensitivity of ECD but was more selective, enabling low nanogram levels of explosives in handswabs to be detected. Use of TEA in the nitrogen mode for drug analysis was also briefly studied.