Capillary gas chromatographic mass spectrometric and microbore liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric studies of a test well sample from a landfill site

The acid fraction from an extract of a test well sample obtained from a landfill site has been examined by capillary gas chromatography mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. In the latter case conventional and glass-lined stainless steel microbore liquid chromatography columns were used. Desorption chemical ionization and field desorption mass spectrometry have been used to profile the major components present in the mixture. This combined approach enables a more detailed characterization of the sample to be obtained and the techniques have been found to be mutually complementary. Glass-lined stainless steel microbore columns used with a gradient system are shown to provide high quality liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric data.