Organic contamination on spaceflight hardware is an ongoing concern for spaceflight safety. In addition, for the goal of analyzing for possible evidence of extra-terrestrial life, it is necessary to consider the presence of terrestrial contamination. This paper will introduce and evaluate a new method using a direct analysis real time (DART) ionization source paired with a high resolution time of flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) for the determination of organic contamination involved in spaceflight hardware and ground support materials. This novel analytical technique has significant advantages over current methodologies. Materials analyzed in this study were historically considered as probable contaminants in spaceflight related substrates. A user determined library was generated due to the non-traditional mass spectra generated by the DART. Continual improvement of analytical methods for the detection of trace levels of contaminants in potential drinking water sources is of extreme importance to both regulatory communities and concerned citizens. This paper will evaluate a novel analytical method using stir bar sorbtive (SBSE) extraction techniques combined with analysis with a DART TOFMS. Compounds of interest will include several representative pharmaceutical contaminants of emerging concern listed in EPA method 1694. Optimal SBSE and DART experimental parameters will be investigated along with accuracy, precision, limits of detection and calibration linearity.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:etd-4828 |
| Date | 01 January 2009 |
| Creators | Loftin, Kathleen |
| Publisher | STARS |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
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