Application of real-time mass spectrometric techniques to environmental organic geochemistry. I. Computerized high resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-low resolution mass spectrometry.

LOGOS (Smith et al. 1971), an integrated mass spectrometer/computer system, has been employed in a series of experiments which illustrate the utility of the automated techniques of real-time mass spectrometry in the study of organic compounds in the environment. These techniques are shown to be particularly useful in resolving complex mixtures of organic compounds encountered in environmental studies. Complete high resolution mass spectrometry, particularly when used in conjunction with combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and auxiliary techniques such as stable isotopic labeling are described to illustrate the type and scope of information that may be obtained. Illustrative samples include extracts of air- and waterborne particulates, extracts of water-soluble organic material, and a DDT metabolite from sewage sludge.