Underwater mass spectrometers for in situ chemical analysis of the hydrosphere

Underwater mass spectrometry systems can be used for direct in situ detecti on of volatile organic compounds and dissolved gases in oceans, lakes, rive rs and waste-water streams. In this work we describe the design and operati on of (1) a linear quadrupole mass filter and (2) a quadrupole ion trap mas s spectrometer interfaced, in each case, with a membrane introduction/fluid control system and packaged for underwater operation. These mass spectrome try systems can operate autonomously, or under user control via a wireless rf link. Detection limits for each system were determined in the laboratory using pure solutions. The quadrupole mass filter system provides detection limits in the 1-5 ppb range with an upper mass limit of 100 amu. Its power requirement is approximately 95 Watts. The ion trap system has detection l imits well below 1 ppb, an upper mass limit of 650 amu and MS/MS capability . Its power consumption is on the order of 150 Watts. The present membrane limits analysis to non-polar compounds (< 300 amu) with analysis cycles of 5-15 minutes. Deployments of both types of instruments are described, along with a discussion of the challenges associated with in-water mass spectrom etry and descriptions of alternative in-water mass spectrometer configurati ons. (C) 2001 American Society for Mass Spectrometry.