Presentation Profile
Case Studies in Oil Spill Forensics: Finding Petroleum Biomarkers with GCxGC-TOFMS and a New Flow-based Modulator
Currently Scheduled: 10/16/2019 - 9:25 AM - 9:45 AM
Room: Exhibit Hall Room A4
Main Author
Christina Kelly - LECO Corporation
Abstract:
Identifying and calculating relative ratios of the “molecular fossils,” chemical structures that are resistant to weathering and other forms of degradation, is crucial for differentiating various sources of crude oil. Biomarkers from samples collected from various well-documented oil spills are compared and contrasted with analysis using a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry system (GCxGC-TOFMS) equipped with a new, robust, and easy-to-use flow-based modulator. The second dimension of chromatographic separation provides the necessary peak capacity to separate different classes of compounds based on RDBE and polarity, allowing for clear resolution of saturated hydrocarbons from their heteroatomically substituted counterparts.
