Joseph Monaghan

Topic

Environmental Applications of Membrane Introduction Mass Spectrometry

Department of Chemistry

Date & location

• Thursday, May 30, 2024
• 9:30 A.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Erik Krogh, Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Scott McIndoe, Department of Chemistry, UVic (Co-Supervisor)
• Dr. Chris Gill, Department of Chemistry, UVic (Member)
• Dr. Jay Cullen, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, UVic (Outside Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Edward Kolodziej, Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Washington

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Terri Lacourse, Department of Biology, UVic

Abstract

Timely chemical analysis is imperative for safe stewardship of our environment. Condensed phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) affords a means of rapid quantitation of trace organic components in the environment, and has the potential to be deployed for on-site/portable analysis. This thesis explores CP-MIMS for analysis of naphthenic acids associated with the oil and gas industry as well as an emerging contaminant class: para-phenylenediamine quinones (PPDQs) derived from tires. Both of these groups pose a threat to both the environment and Canadian culture. Chapter 1 provides a brief overview on the theory and operation of CPMIMS. Chapter 2 describes the use of CP-MIMS to characterize NAs in oil-affected waters under a range of aqueous and oil conditions. Chapter 3 elaborates on the use of CP-MIMS for NA analysis by following quantitative and qualitative changes in the NA profile during weathering of diluted bitumen throughout a simulated spill under freshwater conditions. Chapter 4 characterizes polydimethylsiloxane membrane perm-selectivity for complex oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) mixtures using a series of model compounds and real OSPW mixtures. Chapter 5 details development of a high-throughput CP-MIMS method for trace analysis of 6-PPD quinone, a potent salmonid toxin. Chapter 6 refines the high throughput analysis of 6-PPD quinone with CP-MIMS by adapting the technique to additional tire-derived contaminants and interfacing it with a low-cost autosampler for reduced operator input and simplified data handling. Finally, Chapter 7 reflects and summarizes on the previous chapters and discusses future research directions amenable to online membrane sampling.