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

该研究计划的重点是新兴质谱（MS）技术的新应用，以解决环境化学中的重要问题。MS根据分子的质荷比区分分子，是一种强大的分析技术，具有固有的灵敏度和选择性优势。当采用设计为遵循独特的质谱裂解途径的技术时，MS仪器具有更高的分子分辨能力。当半透膜用作样品和质谱仪之间的界面时，它允许连续监测分析物的浓度。直到最近，膜引入MS一直限于相对挥发性的有机化合物。将采用溶剂受体相的膜入口耦合到大气压电离，已经将该技术扩展到广泛的生物和环境相关化合物。该提案描述了使用MS直接测量环境和人类健康的分子决定因素。除了对环境化学领域的基础性贡献外，这里描述的研究在污染物归宿建模，环境工程和生态毒理学方面具有更广泛的应用。

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.