Environmental Chemistry Program Standard Operating Procedures: Operation and Maintenance of Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer Systems Running Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Analyses

Gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer systems are instruments used to determine the concentrations of contaminants in a given sample. These systems are complex and sensitive, and require detailed care and regular maintenance to maintain a high level of performance. This comprehensive protocol is written to be used concurrently with hands-on training. Some steps require more feel and familiarity than can be described here and, as such, are acquired with practice. This protocol provides step-by-step instructions for everything from maintenance to loading samples for analysis. Both the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) analyses will be discussed in detail throughout this document. Full-color photographs, computer images, and multiple examples will make the instructions clearer. 2021 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) NEFSC (Northeast Fisheries Science Center) Submitted https://doi.org/10.25923/fcb1-0r41 Public Domain 1861