Gas chromatography-vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy for multiclass pesticide identification.

A new vacuum ultraviolet detector for gas chromatography was recently developed and applied to multiclass pesticide identification. VUV detection features full spectral acquisition in a wavelength range of 115-240nm, where virtually all chemical species absorb. VUV absorption spectra of 37 pesticides across different classes were recorded. These pesticides display rich gas phase absorption features across various classes. Even for isomeric compounds, such as hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, the VUV absorption spectra are unique and can be easily differentiated. Also demonstrated is the ability to use VUV data analysis software for deconvolution of co-eluting signals. As a universal detector, VUV provides both qualitative and quantitative information. It offers high specificity, sensitivity (pg on-column detection limits), and a fast data acquisition rate, making it a powerful tool for multiclass pesticide screening when combined with gas chromatography.