The Thermofisher Scientific ISQ LT single quadrupole GC/MS is a high-throughput benchtop instrument that is used to screen, characterize, and quantify organic compounds in diverse matrices. It is also equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) and electron capture detector (ECD), and the autosampler is capable of injecting both microscale liquid and headspace gas samples.
Analytical capabilities
Our laboratory provides customized mass spectrometry analysis of a broad range of natural products and synthetic organic compounds. Our system is capable of detecting trace contaminants, such as pesticides and other persistent organic pollutants in various environmental matrices; secondary metabolites and other small molecules in biomass; and petroleum compounds in oils and the environment.
Applications
- Span natural history
- Environmental contaminant fate and transport
- Microbial biogeochemistry
Recent analyses have included:
- Hydrocarbon biomarkers in ancient rocks for paleoenvironmental studies
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as indicators of past fires and as pollutants
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in coastal sediments as chronostratigraphic tools
- Trace petroleum hydrocarbons in deep-sea sediments to map impact of oil spills
- Experimental biodegradation products of coal, dibenzothiophenes, and crude oil
- Aldehydes in drinking water and in microbial cultures
Staff Expertise
Our staff has extensive expertise in microbial lipid biomarker and pigment analysis as well as petroleum characterization and fingerprinting. We are committed to helping researchers achieve their scientific goals, and we are always available to consult at any stage of your project, from experimental design through sample extraction and purification, analytical methodology, and data interpretation.
Sample Submission
Samples may be submitted to the GC/MS laboratory for analysis. Please contact the laboratory to make arrangements and to inquire about analytical capabilities and method development.
Training
Student researchers and faculty who may be interested in training on instrument operation and data interpretation, please contact the GC/MS laboratory to schedule training and time on the instrument. While the number of training hours may vary, depending on the student's knowledge and analytical skills, we require a minimum of eight training hours prior to allowing the student to independently operate the instrument.