Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography using large sample volume injection for the determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in complex matrices.

The sensitivity of a gas chromatography (GC) analytical method can be substantially enhanced by injecting large sample volumes. The novel Large Volume Splitless injection technique was used in combination with comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC x GC), taking advantage of the improved detectability and the very high separation capability. An experimental version of Thermo Electron TRACE GC Ultra using a cryogenic dual jet modulator was utilized with a fast flame ionization detector (FID) for the analysis of low ppbs level of PAHs compounds in very complex matrices. Experimental data (relative standard deviation of 1% evaluated on a standard mixture) demonstrate the reliability of the whole system. A dedicated data system is presented for acquiring and managing GC x GC data: three-dimensional and color plot visualization, peaks integration, identification and quantitation are functions available with the software.