Automated screening for trace-level explosives in water and fabrics using HiSorb™ probes and Centri® extraction and enrichment technology
Automated screening for explosives from both solid and liquid samples from our surroundings would be beneficial for defence, forensic analysis and environmental monitoring applications. Here, we demonstrate a protocol that couples robust highcapacity sorptive extraction probes (HiSorb) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to screen for six explosives on fabrics and in water. Both immersive and headspace extraction procedures can be fully automated using HiSorb probes and using them for screening proved to be a versatile and sensitive approach. Excellent signal-to-noise ratios were achieved from as little as 5 ng of each compound.
contributed by Markes International Ltd |
Introduction
The determination of explosive compounds in solids and liquids is important for forensic and defence monitoring applications such as identification of unexploded residues following a blast, forensic examination of clothing from a suspect or analysis of materials at a crime scene where illicit manufacture or storage is suspected. Furthermore, explosive compounds may find their way into the environment via use in warfare or domestic terrorism, as waste from illicit manufacture or inadvertently as part of legitimate activities. Many explosives cause ecological harm,1 and where contamination of waterways is likely, monitoring should be carried out.
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