The main goal of this work has been that of optimizing the operating conditions of a biofilter, intended for the control of methane, an important greenhouse gas widely emitted by older or smaller landfill installations.The specific objectives were: (1) to select a suitable packing material (of organic or inorganic type); (2) to optimize the concentrations of input nutrients, mainly consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and copper, which are intended to be introduced via the nutrient solution; (3) to determine the optimized values of the most important design parameters, such as the methane inlet load (which depends on the air flow rate and the inlet methane concentration); and (4) to model the biofilter performance. Firstly, the comparison of the two packing materials, one of organic type, and the other of inorganic type, has revealed that the latter was the more appropriate material for the methane biofiltration. Then, through the use of the selected packing material, the influence of each individual nutrient on the efficiency of the process has been investigated.The results obtained have shown that both nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations have to be controlled, while potassium and copper were revealed as being nutrients of only minor importance. Secondly, the optimization of the inlet gas flow rate and of the inlet methane concentration (and consequently, of the methane inlet load also), has been performed. According to the results of the studies, these parameters require good control during methane biofiltration because a limitation in biofilter performance could otherwise be induced. In addition, it was noted that the increase in the inlet gas flow rate led generally to a greater decrease of the methane conversion than the one induced by the inlet methane concentration. Finally, a new method, based on the use of solid extracts sampled from the methane biofilter, has been applied to the determination of methane biofilter kinetic parameters. Following this study, a steady state model of the methane biofiltration, taking into consideration the important operational parameters, as identified previously, has been developed. One particular feature of this model is that it takes into consideration the influence of the biofilter average temperature.The prediction results, obtained with the use of the model, have been successfully compared with the experimental results.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Michael W. Woolverton / A business plan serves two main functions: One is to provide a set of guidelines and expectations for running the business and the other would be to request funding from either a traditional or non-traditional lending source. Most business plans consist of the executive summary, business description, market analyses, management team, operations, and financial projections. Stephenson Enterprises is in the process of obtaining funding for a start-up business that will manufacture a biodegradable low cost substitute loose-fill packaging material. Due to the relatively high cost of this start-up, external funding is necessary. The first choice is to approach a large bank with the business plan, secondary choices if necessary would include smaller banks. The third choice would be alternative funding such as nonprofit organizations that provide start-up funding, however many of these are limited in the amount they lend. In order to garner funding for this entrepreneurship, it was decided that a business plan was needed. A business plan has two primary functions. One function is to set forth some guidelines as to how a firm is operated as well as what is projected. The second, and perhaps most often the reason a business plan is developed is to secure funding from a financial institution. Within the business plan a myriad of financial data was gathered to include: financial analysis, financial projections, cash flow, balance sheet, break-even analysis, sales proforma, income statements and sensitivity analyses. In addition to the financial data, a market analysis was conducted to provide insight into the local market. This business plan will not only provide an estimate of financials but will also serve as a guide book for operating the business.

O sulfeto de hidrogênio é um gás que pode causar os mais diversos danos se lançado ao meio ambiente devido, principalmente, à sua elevada toxicidade, corrosividade, odores indesejáveis e alta demanda de oxigênio. Atualmente existem diferentes processos físico-químicos estabelecidos para o tratamento desse composto, entretanto são consideradas técnicas onerosas do ponto de vista econômico e ambiental. Os processos biológicos constituem-se como uma alternativa bastante interessante quando comparados aos processos físico-químicos, sendo que a biofiltração é o processo mais amplamente utilizado. Neste trabalho, foram avaliados três tipos diferentes de materiais suporte, sendo um sintético - espuma de poliuretano - e dois orgânicos - fibra de côco e bagaço de cana -, para a biofiltração de uma mistura gasosa contendo \'H IND.2\'S\'. Como inóculo, optou-se pela utilização de cultura mista originária de duas fontes: a) unidade de biofiltro aerado submerso pertencente ao Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto da Cidade de São Carlos, b) unidade de lodos ativados pertencente a São Carlos S/A - Indústria de Papel e Celulose. A adaptação do inóculo foi realizada em meio nutriente específico. Foi observado um período de partida de somente 2 dias nos três sistemas. Com o intuito de avaliar o impacto do aumento progressivo das taxas de carregamento mássico no desempenho dos três biofiltros, os mesmos foram submetidos a taxas de 19, 32, 54 e 70 g/m³.h (concentrações afluentes médias de 184, 328, 526 e 644 ppm para tempo de retenção do gás de, aproximadamente, 50 segundos). As eficiências remoção média em todos os sistemas mantiveram-se sempre acima dos 99,3%. A capacidade eliminação máxima alcançada pelos biofiltros oscilou entre 74 e 80 g/m³.h. As perdas de carga verificadas no ensaio hidrodinâmico foram baixas, variando entre 0,59.\'10 POT.-2\' a 0,68 \'10 POT.-2\' mca, para a velocidade superficial utilizada durante o estudo. O modelo matemático empregado na previsão do desempenho dos sistemas ajustou-se bem aos dados experimentais. Portanto, pode-se concluir que os materiais suportes testados são adequados para a biofiltração de sulfeto de hidrogênio. / Hydrogen sulfide is a gas which has high restrictions regarding to its disposal in the environment, mainly, because of its high toxicity, malodors, high oxygen demand, etc. Currently, there are many different physical-chemical processes established in order to treat this compound, nevertheless they are considered expensive techniques by the point of economical and environmental views. Biological processes are very interesting alternatives when they are compared to the physical-chemical ones, and biofiltration is the most used process. In this work, three different materials as support media were evaluated, - a synthetic one - represented by the polyurethane foam, - two organic ones - represented by coconut fiber and sugar bagasse -, for a biofiltration of a gaseous mixture containing \'H IND.2\'S\'. Microorganisms were obtained from two sources: a) submerged aerated biofilter unit, b) activated sludge unit. Inoculum\'s adaptation was realized in specific nutrient media. It was observed a 2 days start-up period in the three systems. In order to evaluate some impact caused by the progressive increasing of mass loading rate on the biofilters performance, were applied rates of 19, 32, 54 e 70 g/m³.h (average influent concentrations of 184, 328, 526 e 644 ppm to the empty bed retention time of, approximately, 50 seconds). Average removal efficiencies in the systems were always above 99,3%. Maximum elimination capacities reached by the biofilters were in the range of 74 e 80 g/m³.h. Loss pressure verified by the hands of hydrodynamic essays varied between 0,59.\'10 POT.-2\' a 0,68.\'10 POT.-2\' mca, to a superficial velocity utilized during the work. Mathematical model used to predict the performance of the systems fitted reasonably the experimental data. Then, it can be concluded that the three packing materials are appropriated for the hydrogen sulfide biofiltration.

O sulfeto de hidrogênio é um gás que pode causar os mais diversos danos se lançado ao meio ambiente devido, principalmente, à sua elevada toxicidade, corrosividade, odores indesejáveis e alta demanda de oxigênio. Atualmente existem diferentes processos físico-químicos estabelecidos para o tratamento desse composto, entretanto são consideradas técnicas onerosas do ponto de vista econômico e ambiental. Os processos biológicos constituem-se como uma alternativa bastante interessante quando comparados aos processos físico-químicos, sendo que a biofiltração é o processo mais amplamente utilizado. Neste trabalho, foram avaliados três tipos diferentes de materiais suporte, sendo um sintético - espuma de poliuretano - e dois orgânicos - fibra de côco e bagaço de cana -, para a biofiltração de uma mistura gasosa contendo \'H IND.2\'S\'. Como inóculo, optou-se pela utilização de cultura mista originária de duas fontes: a) unidade de biofiltro aerado submerso pertencente ao Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto da Cidade de São Carlos, b) unidade de lodos ativados pertencente a São Carlos S/A - Indústria de Papel e Celulose. A adaptação do inóculo foi realizada em meio nutriente específico. Foi observado um período de partida de somente 2 dias nos três sistemas. Com o intuito de avaliar o impacto do aumento progressivo das taxas de carregamento mássico no desempenho dos três biofiltros, os mesmos foram submetidos a taxas de 19, 32, 54 e 70 g/m³.h (concentrações afluentes médias de 184, 328, 526 e 644 ppm para tempo de retenção do gás de, aproximadamente, 50 segundos). As eficiências remoção média em todos os sistemas mantiveram-se sempre acima dos 99,3%. A capacidade eliminação máxima alcançada pelos biofiltros oscilou entre 74 e 80 g/m³.h. As perdas de carga verificadas no ensaio hidrodinâmico foram baixas, variando entre 0,59.\'10 POT.-2\' a 0,68 \'10 POT.-2\' mca, para a velocidade superficial utilizada durante o estudo. O modelo matemático empregado na previsão do desempenho dos sistemas ajustou-se bem aos dados experimentais. Portanto, pode-se concluir que os materiais suportes testados são adequados para a biofiltração de sulfeto de hidrogênio. / Hydrogen sulfide is a gas which has high restrictions regarding to its disposal in the environment, mainly, because of its high toxicity, malodors, high oxygen demand, etc. Currently, there are many different physical-chemical processes established in order to treat this compound, nevertheless they are considered expensive techniques by the point of economical and environmental views. Biological processes are very interesting alternatives when they are compared to the physical-chemical ones, and biofiltration is the most used process. In this work, three different materials as support media were evaluated, - a synthetic one - represented by the polyurethane foam, - two organic ones - represented by coconut fiber and sugar bagasse -, for a biofiltration of a gaseous mixture containing \'H IND.2\'S\'. Microorganisms were obtained from two sources: a) submerged aerated biofilter unit, b) activated sludge unit. Inoculum\'s adaptation was realized in specific nutrient media. It was observed a 2 days start-up period in the three systems. In order to evaluate some impact caused by the progressive increasing of mass loading rate on the biofilters performance, were applied rates of 19, 32, 54 e 70 g/m³.h (average influent concentrations of 184, 328, 526 e 644 ppm to the empty bed retention time of, approximately, 50 seconds). Average removal efficiencies in the systems were always above 99,3%. Maximum elimination capacities reached by the biofilters were in the range of 74 e 80 g/m³.h. Loss pressure verified by the hands of hydrodynamic essays varied between 0,59.\'10 POT.-2\' a 0,68.\'10 POT.-2\' mca, to a superficial velocity utilized during the work. Mathematical model used to predict the performance of the systems fitted reasonably the experimental data. Then, it can be concluded that the three packing materials are appropriated for the hydrogen sulfide biofiltration.

Yes / The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is a primary global environmental concern due to its detrimental impacts on climate change. A significant reduction in CO2 generation together with its capture and storage is an imperative need of the time. CO2 can be captured from power plants and other industries through various methods such as absorption, adsorption, membranes, physical and biological separation techniques. The most widely used systems are solvent based CO2 absorption method. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of various random and structured packing materials in absorption column on CO2 removing efficiency. Aspen plus was used to develop the CO2 capture model for different packing materials with Monoethanolamine (MEA) solvent in order to optimize the system. It was found that the lowest re-boiler duty of 3,444 kJ/KgCO2 yield the highest rich CO2 loading of 0.475 (mole CO2/mole MEA) by using the BX type of structured packing having the highest surface area. The surface area of the different packing materials were inversely proportional to the temperature profiles along the column. Furthermore, the packing materials with higher surface areas yielded higher CO2 loading profiles and vice versa. The findings of this study and recommendation would help further research on optimization of solvent-based CO2 capturing technologies.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade da aplicação de um reator anaeróbio híbrido (RAnH) em escala plena para tratamento de esgoto sanitário, contendo Biobob ® como meio suporte para imobilização celular. O reator possui volume útil igual a 2.495 m3 e foi resultado de uma adaptação de um reator UASB por meio da introdução de 1.000 m3 de material suporte Biobob® em parte do volume reacional do reator, transformando-o em um reator anaeróbio híbrido com leito fixo e manta de lodo. O reator foi monitorado por 480 dias consecutivos, sendo avaliado seu desempenho frente ao aumento gradativo da vazão média e às vazões decorrentes de horários de pico e períodos com elevada pluviosidade. O reator apresentou bom desempenho durante todo o período operacional, mantendo a qualidade do efluente tratado (DQO efluente média de 178 ± 30mg.L-1 e SST de 54 ± 25 mg.L-1) mesmo quando submetido à elevadas cargas hidráulicas proporcionadas por períodos de alta pluviosidade, mostrando-se como uma excelente alternativa para aumento da capacidade de tratamento de reatores UASB sem a necessidade de ampliações físicas no reator. Para um TDH médio de 5,8 h, que corresponde a um período em que houve vários picos de vazão, o reator manteve-se estável durante todo o período, com valores no efluente de DQO e SST de 169 ± 24 mg.L-1 e 47 ± 17 mg.L-1, respectivamente. Aproximadamente 70% do total da biomassa presente no reator encontra-se em suspensão no leito de lodo e 30% encontra-se aderida aos meios suportes, sendo ambas as frações fundamentais para o bom desempenho e estabilidade do tratamento. O rendimento da produção de biomassa observada (Yobs) foi de 0,182 g SSV.g-1 DQOremovida. Considerando-se a carga orgânica removida por meio da DQO bruta afluente e da DQO filtrada efluente, o Y\'obs foi de 0,143 g SSV. g-1 DQOremovida. A produção de lodo (considerando somente o descarte de sólidos pela via convencional ) foi de 0,073 g ST.g-1 DQO aplicada. Ambas as frações de biomassa (suspensa e aderida) apresentaram potencial metanogênico similar para condições com carga orgânica aplicada de 0,57 g DQO. g-1 SVT. A produção de energia elétrica estimada com o reaproveitamento do biogás gerado no RAnH, para a vazão média do período de 7.170 m3.d-1, foi de 31.798 kW.h.mês-1, o equivalente a 10 % do consumo energético mensal atual da ETE. O aproveitamento dessa energia acarretaria em uma economia mensal de R$ 17.170,73. / This study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing a hybrid anaerobic reactor (HAnR) at full scale for treating wastewater containing Biobob® as a packing material for cell immobilization. The reactor volume is 2,495 m3 and was the result of an adaptation of a UASB reactor by introducing 1,000 m3 of packing material Biobob® in the reaction volume of the reactor, turning it into a hybrid anaerobic reactor with fixed bed and sludge blanket. The reactor was monitored for 480 consecutive days and evaluated their performance with the gradual increase of the average flow and the flow resulting from peak hours and periods of high rainfall. The reactor showed good performance throughout the operational period, maintaining the quality of treated efluente (COD effluent of 178 ± 30 mg. L-1 and TSS 54 ± 25 mg. L-1) even when subjected to high hydraulic loads provided by rainy periods, showing up as an excellent alternative to increase the UASB treatment capacity without the need for expansion physical the reactor. For an average HRT of 5.8 h, which corresponds to a period in which there were several peaks flow, the reactor remained stable throughout the period, with values in the effluent COD and TSS of 169 ± 24 mg.L-1 and 47 ± 17 mg.L-1, respectively. Approximately 70% of the total biomass present in the reactor was in suspension in the sludge bed and 30% adhered to the support material, and both fractions fundamental to the performance and stability of the treatment. The observed yield of biomass production (Yobs) was 0.182 g CODr.VSS.g-1. Considering the organic load removed by the total COD of influent and effluent COD filtered, the Y\'obs was 0.143 g CODr.VSS.g-1. The sludge production (considering only the disposal of solid by conventional means) was 0.073 g COD.TS.g-1 .Both biomass fractions (suspended and attached) have similar potential to methanogenic conditions with organic load of 0.57 g COD.g-1 SVT. The production of electricity estimated to reuse biogas generated in HAnR, for the average flow of the period 7,170 m3.d-1, was 31,798 kW.h.mês-1, equivalent to 10% of the current monthly energy consumption in the sewage treatment plant. The use of this energy would result in a monthly savings of R$ 17,170.73.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade da aplicação de um reator anaeróbio híbrido (RAnH) em escala plena para tratamento de esgoto sanitário, contendo Biobob ® como meio suporte para imobilização celular. O reator possui volume útil igual a 2.495 m3 e foi resultado de uma adaptação de um reator UASB por meio da introdução de 1.000 m3 de material suporte Biobob® em parte do volume reacional do reator, transformando-o em um reator anaeróbio híbrido com leito fixo e manta de lodo. O reator foi monitorado por 480 dias consecutivos, sendo avaliado seu desempenho frente ao aumento gradativo da vazão média e às vazões decorrentes de horários de pico e períodos com elevada pluviosidade. O reator apresentou bom desempenho durante todo o período operacional, mantendo a qualidade do efluente tratado (DQO efluente média de 178 ± 30mg.L-1 e SST de 54 ± 25 mg.L-1) mesmo quando submetido à elevadas cargas hidráulicas proporcionadas por períodos de alta pluviosidade, mostrando-se como uma excelente alternativa para aumento da capacidade de tratamento de reatores UASB sem a necessidade de ampliações físicas no reator. Para um TDH médio de 5,8 h, que corresponde a um período em que houve vários picos de vazão, o reator manteve-se estável durante todo o período, com valores no efluente de DQO e SST de 169 ± 24 mg.L-1 e 47 ± 17 mg.L-1, respectivamente. Aproximadamente 70% do total da biomassa presente no reator encontra-se em suspensão no leito de lodo e 30% encontra-se aderida aos meios suportes, sendo ambas as frações fundamentais para o bom desempenho e estabilidade do tratamento. O rendimento da produção de biomassa observada (Yobs) foi de 0,182 g SSV.g-1 DQOremovida. Considerando-se a carga orgânica removida por meio da DQO bruta afluente e da DQO filtrada efluente, o Y\'obs foi de 0,143 g SSV. g-1 DQOremovida. A produção de lodo (considerando somente o descarte de sólidos pela via convencional ) foi de 0,073 g ST.g-1 DQO aplicada. Ambas as frações de biomassa (suspensa e aderida) apresentaram potencial metanogênico similar para condições com carga orgânica aplicada de 0,57 g DQO. g-1 SVT. A produção de energia elétrica estimada com o reaproveitamento do biogás gerado no RAnH, para a vazão média do período de 7.170 m3.d-1, foi de 31.798 kW.h.mês-1, o equivalente a 10 % do consumo energético mensal atual da ETE. O aproveitamento dessa energia acarretaria em uma economia mensal de R$ 17.170,73. / This study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing a hybrid anaerobic reactor (HAnR) at full scale for treating wastewater containing Biobob® as a packing material for cell immobilization. The reactor volume is 2,495 m3 and was the result of an adaptation of a UASB reactor by introducing 1,000 m3 of packing material Biobob® in the reaction volume of the reactor, turning it into a hybrid anaerobic reactor with fixed bed and sludge blanket. The reactor was monitored for 480 consecutive days and evaluated their performance with the gradual increase of the average flow and the flow resulting from peak hours and periods of high rainfall. The reactor showed good performance throughout the operational period, maintaining the quality of treated efluente (COD effluent of 178 ± 30 mg. L-1 and TSS 54 ± 25 mg. L-1) even when subjected to high hydraulic loads provided by rainy periods, showing up as an excellent alternative to increase the UASB treatment capacity without the need for expansion physical the reactor. For an average HRT of 5.8 h, which corresponds to a period in which there were several peaks flow, the reactor remained stable throughout the period, with values in the effluent COD and TSS of 169 ± 24 mg.L-1 and 47 ± 17 mg.L-1, respectively. Approximately 70% of the total biomass present in the reactor was in suspension in the sludge bed and 30% adhered to the support material, and both fractions fundamental to the performance and stability of the treatment. The observed yield of biomass production (Yobs) was 0.182 g CODr.VSS.g-1. Considering the organic load removed by the total COD of influent and effluent COD filtered, the Y\'obs was 0.143 g CODr.VSS.g-1. The sludge production (considering only the disposal of solid by conventional means) was 0.073 g COD.TS.g-1 .Both biomass fractions (suspended and attached) have similar potential to methanogenic conditions with organic load of 0.57 g COD.g-1 SVT. The production of electricity estimated to reuse biogas generated in HAnR, for the average flow of the period 7,170 m3.d-1, was 31,798 kW.h.mês-1, equivalent to 10% of the current monthly energy consumption in the sewage treatment plant. The use of this energy would result in a monthly savings of R$ 17,170.73.

La pollution odorante est une problématique majeure, deuxième source de plaintes après le bruit. La réduction des émissions d'odeurs est incontournable, contraignant le plus souvent les industriels à la mise en œuvre d'un procédé de traitement performant et économiquement acceptable. Parmi les techniques disponibles, les procédés biologiques en général et la biofiltration en particulier sont les plus utilisés à l'échelle industrielle. Les performances de ce procédé sont étroitement liées aux paramètres opératoires. Le matériau support apparaît comme un élément clé. Du fait des critères qu'il doit satisfaire, son choix est difficile et reste encore empirique. Ces travaux de thèse visent par conséquent à rationaliser le choix d'un matériau en s'intéressant plus particulièrement à la relation entre les caractéristiques physico-chimiques et hydrodynamiques du matériau support et les composantes macroscopique et microscopique du procédé. Trois matériaux modèles ont été sélectionnés : deux granulaires et un fibreux différant par leur propriétés physico-chimiques et hydrodynamiques. Les travaux ont été menés sur des unités pilote alimentées par un effluent gazeux contenant un mélange de trois composants volatils différant par leur solubilité et leur biodégradabilité. Si une influence des caractéristiques physico-chimiques du matériau a bien été observée, il n'a pas été possible de mettre en évidence un effet des propriétés hydrodynamiques. Concernant la composante microbiologique, le niveau de diversité global est similaire, quel que soit le matériau considéré. L'analyse de la structure de la communauté bactérienne totale met en évidence trois communautés distinctes, chacune étant associée à un matériau support. Il est fort probable que la communauté endogène participe largement à l‘établissement de ces communautés, rendant ainsi plus difficile de répondre aux questions posées. La communauté bactérienne totale ne semble donc pas être un indicateur adapté. Par le suivi de la communauté fonctionnelle, des réponses plus précises pourraient être apportées. Par conséquent, la recherche de niches écologiques spécifiques à la dégradation biologique d'un composé soufré (DMS) a fait l'objet d'une attention particulière dans le cadre de cette thèse. / Odour nuisance is a major issue, second cause of complaints after noise. Reduction of odor emissions is essential, binding the industry to implement a process for an economically acceptable treatment in terms of reduction of odours. Among the available techniques, biological ones and particularly biofiltration are the most used on industrial scale. The performances of this process are closely related to operating conditions. Packing material appears as a key factor, its choice is difficult and remains empirical because of the multiple criteriait must satisfy. This thesis work aimed to streamline the selection of a material with a focus on the relationship between physico-chemical and hydrodynamic caracteristics of the packing material and macroscopic and microscopic components of this process. Three materials were selected as models: two granulars and one fibrous differing in their physico-chemical and hydrodynamic caracteristics. The work was carried out on pilot units fed by an effluent gas containing a mixture of three volatile components differing in their solubility and biodegradability. The influence of physico-chemical characteristics of the packing material on the performances seems to be confirmed. However, the impact of the hydrodynamic characteristics of the material on these criteria has not been demonstrated. Regarding the microbiological component, the overall level of diversity is similar, regardless of the material considered. Analysis of the structure of the total bacterial community reveals the existence of three distinct communities, each associated with a carrier material. It is likely that the endogenous community participates largely to the establishment of these communities, making it difficult to give appropriate answers to the questions adressed. The total bacterial community does not seem to be a suitable indicator. By monitoring the functional community, more precise answers could be given. Therefore, the research for specific ecological niches in the biological degradation of a sulfur compound (DMS) has been the subject of special attention in the context of this thesis.

<p>In this thesis, porous graphitic carbon (PGC) has been used as packing material in packed capillary liquid chromatography. The unique chromatographic properties of PGC has been studied in some detail and applied to different analytical challenges using both electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and ultra violet (UV) absorbance detection. </p><p>The crucial importance of disengaging the conductive PGC chromatographic separation media from the high voltage mass spectrometric interface has been shown. In the absence of a grounded point between the column and ESI emitter, a current through the column was present, and changed retention behaviors for 3-O-methyl-DOPA and tyrosine were observed. An alteration of the chromatographic properties was also seen when PGC was chemically oxidized with permanganate, possibly due to an oxidation of the few surface groups present on the PGC material. </p><p>The dynamic adsorption of the chiral selector lasalocid onto the PGC support resulted in a useful and stable chiral stationary phase. Extraordinary enantioselectivity was observed for 1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine, and enantioseparation was also achieved for other amines, amino acids, acids and alcohols. </p><p>Finally, a new strategy for separation of small biologically active compounds in plasma and brain tissue has been developed. With PGC as stationary phase it was possible to utilize a mobile phase of high content of organic modifier, without the addition of ion-pairing agents, and still selectively separate the analytes. </p>

In this thesis, porous graphitic carbon (PGC) has been used as packing material in packed capillary liquid chromatography. The unique chromatographic properties of PGC has been studied in some detail and applied to different analytical challenges using both electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and ultra violet (UV) absorbance detection. The crucial importance of disengaging the conductive PGC chromatographic separation media from the high voltage mass spectrometric interface has been shown. In the absence of a grounded point between the column and ESI emitter, a current through the column was present, and changed retention behaviors for 3-O-methyl-DOPA and tyrosine were observed. An alteration of the chromatographic properties was also seen when PGC was chemically oxidized with permanganate, possibly due to an oxidation of the few surface groups present on the PGC material. The dynamic adsorption of the chiral selector lasalocid onto the PGC support resulted in a useful and stable chiral stationary phase. Extraordinary enantioselectivity was observed for 1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine, and enantioseparation was also achieved for other amines, amino acids, acids and alcohols. Finally, a new strategy for separation of small biologically active compounds in plasma and brain tissue has been developed. With PGC as stationary phase it was possible to utilize a mobile phase of high content of organic modifier, without the addition of ion-pairing agents, and still selectively separate the analytes.