ABSTRACT
Sensitive real-time detection of vapors produced by the precursors, reagents and solvents used in the illegal drugs manufacture represents a priority nowadays. Acetic anhydride (AA) is the key chemical used as acetylation agent in producing the illegal drugs heroin and methaqualone. This study was directed towards quick detection and quantification of AA in air, using two fast and very sensitive analytical techniques: photoionization detection (PID) and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Results obtained indicated that both PID and IMS can sense AA at ultra-trace levels in air, but while PID produces a non-selective response, IMS offers richer information. Ion mobility spectrometric response in the positive ion mode presented one product ion, at reduced ion mobility K0 of 1.89 cm2 V-1 s-1 (almost overlapped with positive reactant ion peak), while in the negative ion mode two well separated product ions, with K0 of 1.90 and 1.71 cm2 V-1 s-1, were noticed. Our study showed that by using a portable, commercial IMS system (model Mini IMS, I.U.T. GmbH Berlin) AA can be easily measured at concentrations of 0.05 ppmv (0.2 mg m-3) in negative ion mode. Best selectivity and sensitivity of the IMS response were therefore achieved in the negative operation mode.
Subject(s)
Acetic Anhydrides/analysis , Biosensing Techniques , Illicit Drugs/analysis , Illicit Drugs/chemistry , Ion Mobility Spectrometry , Trace Elements/analysis , Biosensing Techniques/instrumentation , Biosensing Techniques/methods , Biosensing Techniques/standards , Ion Mobility Spectrometry/instrumentation , Ion Mobility Spectrometry/methods , Ion Mobility Spectrometry/standards , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
Outdoor gamma radiation measurements in Cluj County, Romania have been performed using solid-state thermoluminescent detectors in order to develop a high-resolution database for natural gamma dose rates. Integrated measurements have been carried out for an exposure time of minimum 3 weeks. According to European Union requirements, the territory has been divided into 69 grids of 10 × 10 km. The cells were monitored using LiF:Mg,Cu,P detectors. For two locations the results were 136 ± 7 and 150 ± 7 nGy h(-1), respectively. These results can be explained by the existent geological substrate. The values ranged from 56 ± 4 to 150 ± 7 nGy h(-1), with an average value of 91 ± 2 nGy h(-1), being in agreement with the 2008 United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) Report. A high-resolution map of gamma dose rates in Cluj County is presented for the first time.
