Analysis of the Trace Volatile Organic Compounds in Landfill Gas Using Automated Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract A method is presented for the determination of trace volatile organics in landfill gas using automated thermal desorption—gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. The method includes preconcentration of the trace volatiles using sample tubes containing a sandwich of three adsorbents, Tenax TA, Chromosorb 102 and Carbosieve SIII. Breakthrough and recovery measurements were carried out on the sample tubes for landfill gas volumes of up to 1 litre. Breakthrough was not observed on any of the samples taken and recovery for all the components was found to be approximately 100%. Over 125 VOCs were identified in the landfill gas.