Segmented flow coil equilibrator coupled to a proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer for measurements of a broad range of volatile organic compounds in seawater

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Wohl, C., Capelle, D., Jones, A., Sturges, W. T., Nightingale, P., Else, B. G. T. and Yang, M. 2019. Segmented flow coil equilibrator coupled to a proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer for measurements of a broad range of volatile organic compounds in seawater. Ocean Science. 15, pp. 925-940. https://doi.org/10.5194/os-15-925-2019

AuthorsWohl, C., Capelle, D., Jones, A., Sturges, W. T., Nightingale, P., Else, B. G. T. and Yang, M.
Abstract

We present a technique that utilises a segmented flow coil equilibrator coupled to a proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer to measure a broad range of dissolved volatile organic compounds. Thanks to its relatively large surface area for gas exchange, small internal volume, and smooth headspace–water separation, the equilibrator is highly efficient for gas exchange and has a fast response time (under 1 min). The system allows for both continuous and discrete measurements of volatile organic compounds in seawater due to its low sample water flow (100 cm3 min−1) and the ease of changing sample intake. The equilibrator setup is both relatively inexpensive and compact. Hence, it can be easily reproduced and installed on a variety of oceanic platforms, particularly where space is limited. The internal area of the equilibrator is smooth and unreactive. Thus, the segmented flow coil equilibrator is expected to be less sensitive to biofouling and easier to clean than membrane-based equilibration systems. The equilibrator described here fully equilibrates for gases that are similarly soluble or more soluble than toluene and can easily be modified to fully equilibrate for even less soluble gases. The method has been successfully deployed in the Canadian Arctic. Some example data from underway surface water and Niskin bottle measurements in the sea ice zone are presented to illustrate the efficacy of this measurement system.

Year of Publication2019
JournalOcean Science
Journal citation15, pp. 925-940
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.5194/os-15-925-2019
Open accessPublished as green open access
FunderNatural Environment Research Council
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online16 Jul 2019
Publication process dates
Accepted29 May 2019
ISSN1812-0784
PublisherCopernicus Gesellschaft Mbh

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