Environmental applications of membrane introduction mass spectrometry
Date
2024
Authors
Monaghan, Joseph
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Abstract
Timely chemical analysis is imperative for safe stewardship of our environment. Condensed phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) affords a means of rapid quantitation of trace organic components in the environment, and has the potential to be deployed for on-site/portable analysis. This thesis explores CP-MIMS for analysis of naphthenic acids associated with the oil and gas industry as well as an emerging contaminant class: para-phenylenediamine quinones (PPDQs) derived from tires. Both of these groups pose a threat to both the environment and Canadian culture. Chapter 1 provides a brief overview on the theory and operation of CP- MIMS. Chapter 2 describes the use of CP-MIMS to characterize NAs in oil-affected waters under a range of aqueous and oil conditions. Chapter 3 elaborates on the use of CP-MIMS for NA analysis by following quantitative and qualitative changes in the NA profile during weathering of diluted bitumen throughout a simulated spill under freshwater conditions. Chapter 4 characterizes polydimethylsiloxane membrane perm-selectivity for complex oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) mixtures using a series of model compounds and real OSPW mixtures. Chapter 5 details development of a high-throughput CP-MIMS method for trace analysis of 6-PPD quinone, a potent salmonid toxin. Chapter 6 refines the high throughput analysis of 6-PPD quinone with CP-MIMS by adapting the technique to additional tire-derived contam- inants and interfacing it with a low-cost autosampler for reduced operator input and simplified data handling. Finally, Chapter 7 reflects and summarizes on the previous chapters and discusses future research directions amenable to online membrane sampling.
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Keywords
Mass Spectrometry, Environmental Contaminants, High Throughput Analysis, Citizen Science, 6-PPD Quinone, Naphthenic Acids