Fate and Distribution of Trace Organics Using On-line Mass Spectrometry

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This research program is centred on the novel application of emerging mass spectrometry (MS) techniques to address important questions in environmental chemistry. MS discriminates between molecules based on their mass-to-charge ratio and is a powerful analytical technique with inherent sensitivity and selectivity advantages. When techniques designed to follow unique mass fragmentation pathways are employed, MS instruments have even greater molecular resolving power. When a semi-permeable membrane is used as an interface between the sample and the mass spectrometer, it allows the concentration of analytes to be continuously monitored. Until recently, membrane introduction MS has been limited to relatively volatile organic compounds. Coupling membrane inlets employing a solvent acceptor phase to atmospheric pressure ionization has extended the technique to a wide range of biologically and environmentally relevant compounds. This proposal describes the use of MS to directly measure molecular determinants of environmental and human health. In addition to foundational contributions to the field of environmental chemistry the research described here has broader application in contaminant fate modeling, environmental engineering, and eco-toxicology.