Emerging Contaminants

Emerging Contaminants in the Atmosphere

Emerging contaminants (EC) are synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals that are not commonly monitored in the environment, but which could adversely affect ecological and human health. In the atmosphere, emerging contaminants of high concern include perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), disinfectants (ethylene oxide), volatile chemical products (VCPs), plasticizers (such as phthalates), flame retardants, and dioxins. Current analytical methodologies used to identify and quantify trace levels of these ECs in environmental air often require time-consuming sample collection and preparation, as well as multiple steps for separation and detection.

The TOFWERK real-time VOC analyzer –  Vocus CI-TOF offers a turnkey solution for online VOCs and emerging contaminants analysis, without any sample preparation or GC separation, leading to a real-time and fast data output. A wide range of reagent ions is available to increase detectable chemical scope and specificity.  The Vocus CI-TOF is the most sensitive available mass spectrometer for online VOC analysis – able to detect ppt-level components in seconds.

Interchange of ion sources is also available with our API-TOF platform to expand instrument capabilities. The API-TOF is widely used with other chemical ionization schemes that are selective for a wider range of organic and inorganic compounds. The EESI ionization source extends this sensitive, molecular analysis capability to the aerosol phase. Our atmospheric science customers have run the API-TOF on all 7 continents – making measurements at remote field sites and aboard mobile research platforms.