Analysis of cave atmospheres by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) with flame ionization detection (FID)

In this paper, we describe a simple method for sampling, pre-concentrating, and separating volatile and semi-volatile components from two different cave atmospheres. Sampling is performed by capturing a volume of cave atmosphere in a Tedlar bag or Suma canister for sample storage and transport back to the laboratory. Loading a portion of the sample on a multi-bed sorption trap allows for sample pre-concentration prior to separation and detection of components on a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph (GC×GC). Comparison of two Texas caves reveals the power of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) for volatile separation and detection, and to our knowledge marks the first use of GC×GC for the analysis of cave atmospheres. Analysis of the results revealed 138 and 146 chromatographic signals over an S/N threshold of 500 and direct comparison of the two samples revealed 50 identical chromatographic signals. This study is a first step toward demonstrating the ability of GC×GC to separate the complex volatiles and semi-volatiles in the cave atmosphere as a fingerprinting tool.