High Throughput Headspace Analysis of VOCs in Wastewaters using the Focus Robotic Sample Processor

Headspace analysis is one of the simplest and cleanest sample preparation and introduction techniques in gas chromatography and can be used for both solids and liquids. Little sample preparation is required, for environmental samples only matrix modification by pH adjustment (to resist pH variances from sample to sample, prevent dehydrohalogenation and inhibit microbial activity) then salting of the sample to eliminate variability in mineral content and increase ionic strength. Only the volatiles present in the headspace are injected onto the column, involatiles are kept in the vial; therefore the system needs very little maintenance.