Determination of non-metals in organic compounds by gas chromatography with a miniature capacitively coupled plasma emission detector

The new microplasma detector consists of a simple arrangement of two cylindrical electrodes placed on a fused silica capillary, which carry an ac-voltage of 20 kHz and 20 kV to sustain the discharge, and an optical fibre for collection of the emitted light. The detection of Br, Cl, F, I, P, Se and S in organic compounds separated in a helium carrier was possible by monitoring emission lines at 827.24 nm, 837.59 nm, 685.60 nm, 804.37 nm, 956.40 nm, 888.50 nm and 921.28 nm for the 7 elements, respectively. The system showed the following detection limits: Br 0.3, Cl 0.1, F 20, I 158, P 1805, Se 153 and S 6.6 pg s(-1). The determination of environmentally relevant halogenated volatile organic compounds and pesticides is demonstrated.