Presentation of the liquid chromatography mass spectrometer
Presentation of the liquid chromatography mass spectrometer
The laboratory of the Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation at the iFZ Interdisciplinary Research Center operates a Sciex Qtrap 4500 High Pressure Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry System (HPLC-MS/MS). The HPLC-MS/MS complements the extraction methods (pressurized liquid extraction, ultrasonic extraction and microwave assisted extraction) for soil samples and sediments established at the Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation and extends the spectrum of detectable trace substances. The MS/MS detection enables reliable quantification of analytes in complex extract matrices as well as targeted screening for metabolites or emerging pollutants. A current focus of use for the HPLC-MS/MS is the behavior of organic micropollutants (especially pharmaceuticals and disinfectants) in soils.
In addition to the Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, the device is also available for use by other working groups at the iFZ and Faculties 08, 09 and 10 of the Justus Liebig University. The use of the instrument is coordinated by the Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation on the basis of the iFZ's usage regulations and statutes (https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/fbz/zentren/ifz/ifz/intern). The Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation provides instruction in the use of the instrument and ensures compliance with safety regulations. The Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation is generally unable to provide personnel for the preparation of samples and the performance of measurements. The working groups using the equipment bear the costs for consumables (e.g. vials, solvents, HPLC columns, etc.). Maintenance and repair costs are covered by the user working groups on a pro rata basis depending on the actual measurement time. The measurement data is stored and backed up on a server of the Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation by the IT Service Centre of the Justus Liebig University.
Contact person for the use of the device is the head of the laboratory of the Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation Prof. Dr. Rolf-Alexander Düring (rolf-alexander.duering@umwelt.uni-giessen.de).