Abstract

The solvents section team in the IRSST’s Laboratory Services and Expertise group (SEL) uses a general procedure for 80% of its analyses, namely sampling on carbon tubes, desorption by carbon disulfide, analysis by gas chromatography, and flame ionization detection. Although effective and proven for several years, this process has limitations regarding the qualitative and quantitative determination of chemical compounds in a complex matrix. The aim of this project is to develop a solvent analysis method using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The impact of this new method will be better identification of the contaminants present in the samples submitted for solvent analysis, and as a result, their quantification in a complex matrix. This will allow SEL to offer its clients better service.