Hydrogen is the choice of carrier gas for many applications, due to faster analysis times (compared with nitrogen and helium) with no reduction in resolution. In fact resolution is normally improved. However hydrogen's use as a GC/MS carrier gas has long been avoided. Reactions in the ion source, lack of pumping ability, and high background noise have all been cited as reasons not to use hydrogen as a carrier gas. Modern technology has to some extent allayed these concerns, but still helium continues to be used for many established methods. Generated hydrogen offers an analytically superior, cost effective and safe solution over and above cylinder fed helium.

One of the most common analytical studies performed in many environmental laboratories is the analysis of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are a group of compounds consisting of more than one benzene ring, found in fossil fuels, tar and various oils, as well as being formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon containing compounds, such as wood, coal and diesel, to name but a few.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has designated 16 PAHs as primary pollutants. The detection and quantification of these compounds, especially in water and soils, is of paramount importance for human health and the environment, due to their toxic and carcinogenic nature.

Parker domnick hunter manufacture a range of hydrogen generators providing ultra high purity hydrogen gas without the safety concerns associated with high pressure cylinders. These generators improve analytical performance, shorten run times and maximise productivity.

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