Determination of gaseous semi- and low-volatile organic halogen compounds by barrier-discharge atomic emission spectrometry.

A group parameter approach using "total organic halogen" is effective for monitoring gaseous organic halogen compounds, including fluorine, chlorine, and bromine compounds, generated from combustion. We described the use of barrier-discharge radiofrequency-helium-plasma/atomic emission spectrometry, for the detection of semi- and low-volatile organic halogen compounds (SLVOXs), which can be collected by Carbotrap adsorbents and analyzed using thermal desorption. The optimal carrier gas flow rates at the injection and desorption lines were established to be 100 mL/min. The detection range for SLVOXs in the gaseous samples was from 10 ng to tens of micrograms. Measuring F was more difficult than measuring C1 or Br, because the wavelength of F is close to that of air. The barrier-discharge radiofrequency-helium-plasma/atomic emission spectrometry measured from 85% to 103% of the SLVOXs in the gas sample. It has been found that Carbotrap B is appropriate for high-boiling-point compounds, and Carbotrap C is suitable for the determination of organic halogen compounds with lower boiling points, in the range 200-2300C. Under optimal analysis conditions, a chlorine-containing plastic was destroyed using different oxygen concentrations. Lower oxygen concentrations resulted in the production of lower amounts of organic halogen compounds.