5. Glossary

GC-ECD (Gas Chromatography coupled with Electron Capture Detector)

Chromatography is a technique for separating volatile or semi-volatile compounds in a heated column, according to their boiling temperature and polarity. On leaving the chromatograph, the compounds are revealed by a detector, in this case the electron capture detector (ECD). This is used to detect electron-absorbing, i.e. highly electronegative, compounds. This detector uses a radioactive source as the electron source.

CIMS (Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer)

The CIMS is a mass spectrometer whose ionization or ion formation mode is a chemical reaction between the gas to be analyzed and an ion generated in excess. The molecule leading to the ion is chosen according to the gas to be analyzed and the desired selectivity. The ions formed are then...