Analysis of the trace volatile organic compounds in landfill gas using automated thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry

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.