Explosives are analyzed using both micellar electrokinetic chromatography with ultraviolet absorbance detection (MEKC-UV) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).  Specifically, EPA Method 8330 Mixes A and B are used to elucidate separation and detection performance of both of these analytical methods.  Differences in detection limits, resolution, and elution order of these compounds using these methods are presented.  For the detection of some explosives, MEKC-UV is the optimal choice whereas in other instances, using GC-MS would be more advantageous.  Further, the strengths and weaknesses of MEKC-UV and GC-MS of using these techniques for the quantification of explosives in matrices such as soil, sand, and water are presented.

Comparison of MEKC-UV and GC-MS in the analysis of explosives in environmental samples

249th National Meeting (2015)

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