Acquisition of a Gas Chromatography/Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (GC/TOF-MS) System for Ultra-High Resolution Molecular Stratigraphy

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0094475EglintonIn recent years, molecular organic proxies have become an integral component of paleoclimate research. As for other proxies, there is an ever-growing need to develop continuous, high temporal resolution records from sediment and ice cores to document short- and long-term climate variations. Typically, however, organic geochemical measurements lag behind other proxy measurements in part due to the laborious analyses involved, and because of relatively large sample size requirements. This grant provides partial support for the acquisition of a gas chromatograph/time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC/TOF-MS) system that overcomes many of these present limitations.The key feature of the new instrumentation is the acquisition of full-scan mass spectral data at unprecedented rates, paving the way for very rapid sample analysis at high sensitivity. In addition to its direct application as a tool to develop detailed, high resolution molecular stratigraphic records, we will also configure the GC/TOF-MS instrument for two new modes of analysis. The first involves sorptive extraction of organic compounds from aqueous matrices and subsequent sample introduction via a thermal desorption unit. We plan to use this approach for the measurement of trace semi-volatile organic species in ice-core samples. The second involves configuration of the GC for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic separations. The latter enables detailed characterization of highly complex geochemical matrices. Overall, we believe the new instrumentation offers unique capabilities that will open up new frontiers for the development and application of molecular organic proxies in paleoclimate studies.***