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Modern Sample Preparation Techniques for Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Environmental Markers of Chemical Warfare Agents Use

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Detection of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Agents for the Prevention of Terrorism

Abstract

The chapter introduces problematics of on-site chemical analysis in the investigations of past chemical warfare agents (CWA) events. An overview of primary environmental degradation pathways of CWA leading to formation of chemical markers of their use is given. Conventional and modern sample preparation approaches for on-site gas chromatography (GC) – mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of CWA and their degradation products in environmental sample matrices are presented. The advantages, disadvantages, and relative performance of the sample preparation techniques are discussed.

The views and recommendations in this article are those of authors and do not represent official OPCW or UvA/KWR Watercycle Research Institute policy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inspectorate Division, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Oliver Terzic

  2. Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 94240, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Pim de Voogt

  3. KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands

    Pim de Voogt

Authors
  1. Oliver Terzic
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  2. Pim de Voogt
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Correspondence to Oliver Terzic .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Science Branch, Special Projects and Memorial University of New Foundland, St. John's, Canada

    Joseph Banoub

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Terzic, O., de Voogt, P. (2014). Modern Sample Preparation Techniques for Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Environmental Markers of Chemical Warfare Agents Use. In: Banoub, J. (eds) Detection of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Agents for the Prevention of Terrorism. NATO Science for Peace and Security Series A: Chemistry and Biology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9238-7_4

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