Element‐selective detection using capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection

Capillary GC coupled to an atomic emission detector (AED) provides a powerful new hyphenated technique for the separation and characterization of complex mixtures and compounds. The AED provides simultaneous and truly specific multi‐element detection. The specificity of detection reduces the need for the complex sample pretreatment procedures which are necessary to reduce the interference from co‐eluted substances which is experienced with detectors such as the FID and the ECD. A range of environmentally significant problems has been studied, including PCB analysis, the characterization of the reaction products of a novel waste treatment process, and the profiling of sulfur‐containing species formed by the pyrolysis of various types of coal.