Gas chromatography/miniaturized time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique for high-throughput quantitative on-site field analysis

Previously, we reviewed several mass spectrometers designed for field analysis, also known as harsh spectrometers. The majority of these instruments are focused on the instrument footprint size and weight, which compromise performance, instance, in terms mass-resolving power. Our recent work employed a shoebox-size (mini-tower personal computer size) high-resolving-power analyzer equipped with robust gas chromatograph firm field, successfully monitored soil-gas compositional changes on-the-fly real time. We evaluated system performance accuracy, self-validation testing analyte peaks, quantitative precision through long-term continuous data acquisitions 1429 replicates model samples 48 h. observed drift was 4 mDa, compensated within 0.45 mDa using novel algorithm without addition reference materials. In addition, optimized high-resolution ion chromatogram extraction this application evaluated. Results indicated that proposed method limited chromatographic peak area variance. coefficient variance (CV) determining CO2 amounts sample runs 8.6%. Furthermore, average retention time 48.06 ± 0.29 s (CV = 0.61%), number theoretical plates 3500, asymmetry factor 1.09.