Modern sample preparation techniques for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of environmental markers of chemical warfare agents use

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.