Simple calibration procedure for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography

Mass transfer from the first-dimension to the second-dimension column in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) is normally quantitative, which means that the peak areas produced by GC × GC are equal to those obtained in one-dimensional gas chromatography (GC). In view of this relationship, it was investigated whether normal GC calibration could be used to quantify compounds analysed by GC × GC. Quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment was used as a test case. It was concluded that more laborious and time-consuming GC × GC area calibration can be replaced by GC area calibration if separation quality and quantity prerequisites are met.