On-Site Sample Work-Up Procedures to Isolate Chemical Warfare Related Compounds using Solid Phase Extraction and Solid Phase Microextraction Technology

Abstract

To rapidly prepare and accurately analyze suspect samples for on-site investigations of chem. warfare agents, new methods and field portable equipment, including collection, preparation, and anal. of suspect samples, were required. Using solid phase extraction, sample preparation time was greatly reduced and cumbersome laboratory equipment was eliminated. Three different portable modules to achieve on-site field anal. capability were developed. The first consisted of pre-cleaned, sealed sample collection equipment capable of obtaining any type of sample. The second module allowed for complete chem. work-up of collected samples to prepare them for instrumental anal. The third module contained anal. instrumentation necessary for chem. identification, including gas chromatog.-flame photometric detection and gas chromatog.-mass spectrometry for pos. compound identification. Two field exercises were conducted to provide information on detection limits of on-site anal. approach for soil, water, and swipe samples. Both exercises showed the on-site anal. equipment can be easily deployed. All chem. warfare-related compounds were readily identified using the solid phase extraction technol. and portable anal. equipment. Results were later confirmed by analysts in inhouse laboratories