Laboratory evaluation of tunable atomic line molecular spectrometers for benzene analysis

Two prototype TALMS instruments, one for the laboratory (TALMS 1) and the other for field applications (TALMS 2), were evaluated in the laboratory for performance characteristics in the analysis of benzene using the 253.7 nm mercury line. The tests included detection limit, precision, effect of temperature (TALMS 1), effect of pressure (TALMS) and interferences from organic compounds other than benzene. Both instruments evaluated can detect benzene precisely above the detection limit of 6 microgram. The apparent interferences from toluene and pyridine are relatively small and may be artifacts which can be eliminated with improvements in electronic signal processing. Changes to the sample cell and electronics are recommended to improve the detection limit the capabilities of TALMS to other organic compounds.