Aerosol analysis with SIFT-MS introduced at 13th ANZAA

Rapid quantitative analysis of particle-bound VOCs and SVOCs is made possible with SIFT-MS

The impact of airborne particulates on health has been well-established, with volatile and semi-volatile compounds associated with particulate matter known to be contributing factors. However, proper understanding of the mechanisms behind the health effects of particulate matter is complicated by gas-particle partitioning and a lack of appropriate analytical techniques.

A recent collaboration between Syft Technologies, City University of Hong Kong and Guyline Asia, resulted in the first Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry — SIFT-MS application for aerosol analysis being introduced at the 13thannual Australia and New Zealand Aerosol Assembly (ANZAA) last month. The results of the real-time SIFT-MS analysis of desorbed volatiles from particulates absorbed on quartz filters, were presented by Dr Zhi Ning of City University of Hong Kong. This was achieved by means of coupling a Swab Desorber inlet system to the SIFT-MS instrument. The measurement of more than 20 VOCs and SVOCs, including inorganics, with analysis times of less than a minute, was demonstrated.

This promising initial study has enormous potential to further the understanding of the composition of particulate matter and its impact on human health.

For more information on SIFT-MS coupled with thermal desorption, for online and fast quantification of both volatile and semi-volatile particle-bound species, please contact us at info@syft.com.

Written by Dr. Diandree Padayachee, Application Specialist

Originally published at www.syft.com on December 1, 2017.