Browsing by Subject "Paper Spray Ionization"

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    Detection and Quantitation of Hazardous Chemicals in Environmental Matrices using Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry
    (2019-08) Dowling, Sarah Naciye; Manicke, Nicholas; Goodpaster, John; Sardar, Rajesh
    Paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is an ambient ionization technique that has been proven useful in many types of investigative analyses. However, the use of this technique with regards to environmental samples has been largely unexplored since the technique’s development. In this work, paper spray mass spectrometry was utilized to detect and quantify compounds for environmental, forensic and chemical defense applications. Due to the sensitive nature of some projects, the work was split into two volumes. Volume 1 focuses on the detection of pharmaceuticals in soil using paper spray (Chapter 2) and the detection of chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants and CWA hydrolysis products (Chapter 3). Volume 2 focuses on the detection and quantitation of fentanyl analogs in environmental matrices. Chapter 5 focuses on the rapid analysis of fentanyl analogs in soil matrices. The following chapter evaluates the ability of PS-MS to detect low concentrations of fentanyl analogs in water (Chapter 6). Throughout this work, paper spray has proven to be an effective, rapid alternative to chromatography for the analysis of environmental samples.
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    Development of Mass Spectrometry-Based Analytical Assays for Environmental and Chemical Defense Applications
    (2023-12) Dowling, Sarah Naciye; Manicke, Nicholas; Goodpaster, John; Laulhé, Sébastien; Sardar, Rajesh
    Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful and versatile technique that is useful for addressing a wide range of complex analytical challenges. In this work, mass spectrometry-based assays were developed to address issues relating to environmental contamination and for detecting analytes of interest to the defense industry. Chapter one is an overview of the history of mass spectrometry, the fundamental operation of a mass spectrometer, as well as, advancements in chromatographic separation and ionization methods. Chapter two focuses on the development of an assay that uses blow flies as environmental sensors of chemical weapon release. In that work, a liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to detect chemical warfare agent simulants and chemical warfare agent hydrolysis products in flies exposed to the chemicals in controlled feeding experiments. The work in chapter three describes the development of a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy assay coupled to paper spray mass spectrometry for a more fieldable and environmentally friendly approach to detect organophosphorus compounds. Chapter four describes the development of a paper spray mass spectrometry assay for the detection and semi-quantitation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in whole blood without sample cleanup or chromatographic separations. This method would be useful in detecting high levels of these carcinogenic compounds in individuals highly exposed via their occupations. The final chapter (chapter five) returns to using blow flies as environmental sensors, but this time to detect insensitive munitions in the environment. The work focuses on the development of two different liquid chromatography mass spectrometry methods for the detection of insensitive munitions, which are less shock sensitive explosives, and their transformation products in the environment. Controlled feeding experiments were also performed where flies were exposed to contaminated soil and water sources to show the feasibility of this method in a more realistic scenario. The projects detailed herein show the extensive range with which mass spectrometry can be used for the detection of harmful chemistries of environmental concern.