Development of analyte separation systems
To analyse a multi-pollutant mixture (particularly VOCs, OVOCs, PAHs and aldehydes), the molecules need to be separated after the sampling/pre-concentration stage and before the detection. For example, in gas chromatography, a column is used to separate the analytes before detection.
Miniaturised devices incorporating a chromatographic column will be tested which may make it possible to reduce the size of the instrument.
In some cases, involving a single molecule to be detected, this separation phase is not essential. Indeed, if the detector is selective for the targeted compound or if the sampling step (incorporating a derivatisation reaction) is specific for this same molecule, the separation is useless.