Aim
The goal of the course is to improve participants’ practical skills in analysing chemicals related to the Convention and in using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Content
Participants will first be given an introduction to the chemicals related to the Convention, sample preparation techniques, and the theoretical aspects of GC and GC-MS. This will be followed by a presentation on sample analysis using GC equipment with different types of detectors, as well as GC-MS equipment. A discussion will then take place on how to interpret the mass spectra that have emerged as a result of the analyses. The participants will also familiarise themselves with how to maintain these instruments in a manner that ensures a high standard of performance. Finally, they will be instructed on how to report these results, including the requirements of the OPCW in this regard. The skills provided by the course may be used in analysing different types of environmental samples containing various types of chemicals.
The course will consist of the following elements:
- the preparation of environmental samples;
- the properties of chemicals related to the Convention;
- an introduction to GC and GC-MS equipment;
- the interpretation of mass spectra;
- exercises on sample preparation;
- the use of GC and GC-MS equipment;
- an introduction to the Convention and related compounds synthesis;
- an introduction to AMDIS1 software;
- an introduction to the Quality Assurance System according to standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005;2 and
- the reporting of results during OPCW proficiency tests.