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An advanced LC-MS (Q-TOF) technique for the detection of amino acids in atmospheric aerosols

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Abstract

Methodology for detection of native (underivatized) amino acids (AA) in atmospheric aerosols has been developed. This article describes the use of LC-MS (Q-TOF) and microwave-assisted gas phase hydrolysis for detection of free and combined amino acids in aerosols collected in a Southeastern U.S. forest environment. Accurate mass detection and the addition of isotopically labeled surrogates prior to sample preparation allows for sensitive quantitation of target AA in a complex aerosol matrix. A total of 16 native AA were detected above the reporting threshold as water-soluble free AA, with an average concentration of 22 ± 9 ng m−3 (N = 13). Following microwave-assisted gas phase hydrolysis, the total AA concentration in the forest environment increased significantly (70 ± 35 ng m−3) and additional compounds (methionine, isoleucine) were detected above the reporting threshold. The ability to quantify AA in aerosol samples without derivatization reduces time-consuming preparation procedures while providing the advancement of selective mass determination for important organic nitrogen (ON) species. Details on sample preparation that eliminates the freeze-drying approach typically practiced for water removal with biological samples, and vapor phase microwave hydrolysis parameters are provided. Method application for determination of atmospheric ON is discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank John T. Walker and Chris Geron for assistance in sample collection. Additional funding for this research was provided through a U.S. Department of Energy interagency agreement administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

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  1. National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL), U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA

    Shar Samy, James Robinson & Michael D. Hays

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  1. Shar Samy
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  2. James Robinson
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  3. Michael D. Hays
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Correspondence to Michael D. Hays.

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Published in the special issue Aerosol Analysis with guest editor Ralf Zimmermann.

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Samy, S., Robinson, J. & Hays, M.D. An advanced LC-MS (Q-TOF) technique for the detection of amino acids in atmospheric aerosols. Anal Bioanal Chem 401, 3103–3113 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-5238-2

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