2.2
Miniature mass spectrometry
Keywords
Portable mass spectrometry, environmental sensing,
metal, electroanalysis, environmental sensing
Expertise
The University of Liverpool has an established track record
in the area of miniature mass spectrometry. This technology
can detect extremely low concentrations of substances,
identify compounds and perform novel measurements in
field conditions and in extremely harsh environments.
This expertise can, for example, be applied on aircraft and
other vehicles, portable systems for use in remote areas,
aquatic and underwater units to monitor contaminants in
rivers, lakes and reservoirs and for monitoring dangerous
and hazardous locations such as nuclear facilities.
Applications also include the monitoring of environmental
analytes of interest (eg gases and volatile organic
compounds) through membrane inlet mass spectrometry
and/or headspace monitoring.
Detection sensors
Although present in environmental systems at relatively
low concentration, trace metals can be toxic or vital to
living organisms, depending on their identity and
concentration. The processes that govern the biological
uptake of these metals strongly depend on the chemical
forms under which they are present in the concerned
media. The determination of these forms is however
challenging due to low concentration levels and due to
the multitude of metal species that can co-exist. The
University specialises in the development and application
of electro-analytical methods to better understand the
chemical distribution and reactivity of these elements.
Metals and metalloid levels in different systems
(
aqueous systems, atmosphere, soils, sediments,
food, water) are monitored by environmental
agencies and water companies. Organisations that
release waste also have a legal responsibility to
monitor their disposal of toxic products. We provide
these different parties with regular sample analyses
and monitoring equipment.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Miniature quadrupole mass spectrometer
•
Ion trap and vacuum systems
•
Laboratory for trace metal detection and speciation
•
Electroanalytical equipment for stripping analysis.
Environment & Climate Change
60
The University of Liverpool has an
established track record in the area
of miniature mass spectrometry.
This technology can detect tiny
concentrations of substances,
identify compounds and perform
novel measurements in field
conditions and in extremely
harsh environments.
For further information
on all our specialist
centres, facilities and
laboratories
go to page
179
