A simple and a fast method for TNT, RDX and HMX determination with LC-MS/MS

What is it about?

TNT, RDX, and HMX are frequently used in terrorist attacks. An easy, economical, fast, practical, and precise method with a low detection limit and high recovery was developed for the analysis of these explosives in soil using LC–MS/MS and validated. A good separation was achieved for the three explosives in LC–MS/MS method in 10 min. The easy evaporation of acetone after a one-step extraction shortened the sample preparation, and finally, an easy and practical sample preparation procedure has emerged. Only 4.00 mL solvent was enough for a high recovery analysis. The highest recovery was observed with acetone containing 0.25% (v/v) HCl. After a comprehensive validation, the recoveries were found between 96.9 -100.4 %. The method could detet low amounts as the range of 4.3 - 18.9 ng/g in soil. The Horwitz Ratio calculation was used to evaluate if the inter-day and inter-analyst precisions were in acceptable limits. The method worked successfully in the detection of explosives in three different post-blast debris samples obtained after artifical explosions.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The analysis of trace levels of explosives in post-blast debris is critical in homeland security, environmental analysis, and crime scene forensic investigations. In addition to identifying the type of explosive, characterization of the explosive such as country of origin and manufacturer would be of great help to the investigation. Also it helps to connect a suspect to the scene of the explosion. LC–MS and LC–MS/MS studies for multiple explosive analysis in soil are limited in the literature, especially the ones including that RDX, HMX, and TNT require more time-consuming procedures or chromatographic elutions and relatively higher amount of solvent or sample. The short procedure in our method, allows the use of it in routine analysis.

Perspectives