Compound-specific carbon isotope analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry GC/C-IRMS

Diana Costinel*, Geana Irina, Ionete Roxana, Dinca Oana

National Institute for Research and Development for Cryogenic and Isotopic   Technologies - ICIT Rm. Valcea, Uzinei Street no.4; P.O. Box 7 Râureni, 240050, Rm.Vâlcea, Romania

ABSTRACT

    Mastering the isotopic tool in Environmental science, from analytical developments to the modeling and understanding of both natural and industrial processes, is an important part of the conception of a sustainable development in the world. By joining the mass spectrometry with gas chromatography, the separation of individual organic compounds in a mixture is allowed, followed by combustion of each separate organic compound to carbon dioxide and then determination of the isotopes ratio in the carbon dioxide.

This paper intend to give a brief view on gas chromatography GC coupled with stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry IRMS as an important analytical technique to investigate the carbon isotopic composition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, to determine the origin of these components, useful to identify the sources of pollution as a result of environmental accidents or their biodegradation rates in the environment.

KEYWORDS: stable carbon isotopes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry GC/C-IRMS