Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for analyses of organic compounds and biomarkers as tracers for geological, environmental, and forensic research

J Sep Sci. 2007 Jul;30(10):1516-36. doi: 10.1002/jssc.200600399.

Abstract

Gas chromatography, especially when coupled with mass spectrometry, is the analytical method of choice for elucidation of biomarker compounds present in organic mixtures extracted from geological, environmental, and biological samples. This review describes the biomarker concept, i. e., the precursor natural products to the geological/environmental derivatives, and their application as multi-tracers in the geosphere and ambient environment. The mass spectrometric methods currently utilized for such analyses are reviewed with a general key to the literature, and typical examples of applications using GC-MS are also described.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Ecology / methods*
  • Forensic Sciences / methods*
  • Fossils
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry* / instrumentation
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry* / methods
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry* / statistics & numerical data
  • Geology / methods*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organic Chemicals / analysis*
  • Polymers / chemistry

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Polymers