The volatiles analytical laboratory is a state-of-the-art analytical facility to determine concentrations of organic compounds in vapour phase in media such as soil gas, ambient and indoor air.

Technology is focused particularly on thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) with other associated systems including liquid injection GC-MS and selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS).

Field instrumentation such as photoionisation detectors (PID) and air sampling pumps is available for site investigations. Our passive and pumped sorbent tube sampling technology enables the determination of ppb concentrations of a wide range of organic chemicals in air. Sensitivity and specificity is enhanced by use of TD-GC-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS).

Our experienced staff have applied technology to studies of contaminated land, occupational, ambient and indoor air quality, and applied data to the assessment of risk of exposure and consequential human health effects.

The laboratory and our scientists can provide:

  • Measurement of organic chemicals in air and soil gas;
  • Thermal desorption/gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and associated field and laboratory sampling facilities;
  • Provision of information for assessing risks to health and environment associated with contaminated land, industrial emissions, chemical incidents and poor indoor air quality.

Summary of applications

  • The laboratory can determine the ppb levels of a wide range of organic chemicals in air that may present a risk to humans and the environment.
  • A range of methods is available for both field and laboratory air sampling, including direct air sampling, bag sampling and a micro-chamber/thermal extractor unit.
  • Samples collected in the field are returned to the laboratory for TD-GC-MS analysis.
  • Further environmental samples and products, such as building materials and consumer products, are tested in the laboratory to assess the presence and release of organic chemicals with potential to harm human health.

Using the facility

  • Measurement of volatiles in soil gas;
  • Measurements of volatiles in ambient, occupational and indoor air;
  • Laboratory tests of chemicals released from construction, furnishing and consumer products;
  • Food analysis, including early detection of spoilage, chemicals related to produce maturation and storage, flavour/aroma and quality.