Simultaneous analysis of pesticide residues by GC-MS/MS method using Hydrogen carrier gas
MSTips No. 394
In the field of mass spectrometry, helium has primarily been used as the carrier gas for gas chromatography. However, due to the ongoing global supply chain disruptions, reduced production caused by issues at supply plants, and political and economic factors, there has been a long-term shortage of helium, leading to continuous price increases. To continue performing mass spectrometry, it is becoming essential to select alternative carrier gases to helium. Nitrogen or hydrogen are generally considered as alternative carrier gases, but it is desirable to understand the characteristics of each gas type for proper operation. When using hydrogen as an alternative carrier, it is important to note that it is a highly reactive gas, and safety measures such as the installation of hydrogen sensors must be thoroughly considered. Due to its high reactivity, reduction reactions may occur within the ion source depending on the target compound, potentially altering the detected mass spectrum patterns. However, hydrogen also has advantages as an alternative carrier gas, such as a wide range of average linear velocities that provide good separation efficiency under various analytical conditions, less sensitivity loss compared to nitrogen carriers, and stable supply through the use of hydrogen generators.
Switching to an alternative carrier gas requires a review of the previously used measurement conditions. This report introduces an example of using hydrogen as a carrier gas for the simultaneous analysis of pesticide residues in food by GC-MS/MS method.