Analysis of Total Organic Carbon by GC/MS

Significance of the Topic

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis serves as a rapid screening tool in environmental monitoring to estimate total carbonaceous pollution in water and sediment samples. When coupled with mass spectrometry, TOC analysis enables both quantification and identification of specific organic contaminants, enhancing regulatory compliance and risk assessment.

Objective and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the performance of the Thermo Scientific TraceGOLD TG-5SilMS GC column for comprehensive TOC analysis by GC/MS. A standard mixture of 95 TOC-relevant compounds, prepared according to multiple US EPA methods, was used to assess peak shape, resolution, and detection capabilities.

Methodology

A 1 ng/µL TOC standard solution was injected (1 µL, splitless) onto the TG-5SilMS column under a temperature program of 60 °C (5 min) ramped at 8 °C/min to 300 °C (10 min). Helium was used as carrier gas at 1.5 mL/min. Data acquisition employed segmented EI+ scanning (45–450 amu) for targeted ion groups to improve ion statistics.

Instrumental Setup

Instrumentation included a Thermo Scientific TRACE GC Ultra with TriPlus Autosampler, TraceGOLD TG-5SilMS column (30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 µm) and 2 m guard column. An ITD 230 LT ion trap MS (electron energy 70 eV, source at 225 °C) provided high sensitivity and selectivity.

Results and Discussion

The low-polarity silarylene phase of the TG-5SilMS column minimized active compound interactions, yielding sharp peaks and baseline resolution across a diverse TOC compound set. Total Ion Chromatograms exhibited minimal tailing, confirming the column’s suitability for complex mixtures.

Practical Applications and Benefits

By combining TOC analysis with segmented ion trap MS detection, laboratories gain a robust workflow for broad-spectrum pesticide screening, organic pollutant identification, and regulatory monitoring in freshwater and marine environments.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include integration with high-resolution MS for unambiguous compound identification, automated data processing algorithms, micro-GC formats for field deployment, and expanded applications in wastewater treatment monitoring.

Conclusion

The TraceGOLD TG-5SilMS column paired with GC/MS delivers reliable TOC screening, superior chromatographic performance, and enhanced contaminant identification, making it a valuable tool for environmental and industrial analytical laboratories.

Reference

• US EPA methods 508, 608, 610, 619, 8080, 8081, 8100, 8140 & 8141