Electron capture detection in high-speed narrow-bore capillary gas chromatography: fast and sensitive analysis of PCBs and pesticides

In this work the combination of high-speed narrow-bore capillary GC with electron capture detection is evaluated. The make-up gas flow rate is a key parameter in the successful coupling of narrowbore columns and ECD detection. The make-up flow has to be as high as possible to eliminate peak tailing caused by the large detection cell volume. The sensitivities at these elevated make-up flow rates (400 to 1000 ml/min), measured for some pesticides like HCB and dieldrin, were very good. Detection limits for these compounds of 0.1 pg were obtained, resulting in minimum detectable concentrations of approximately 0.2 ppb. The performance of the system is illustrated by several high-speed analyses of environmentally relevant samples of PCBs and pesticides.