Analysis of methanesulfinic acid by GC
Advisor(s)
Dr. Christopher Spiese
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
11-4-2025 10:00 AM
End Date
11-4-2025 10:50 AM
Abstract
Methanesulfinic acid (MSI) is a key component of the marine sulfur cycle, and represents an intermediate step in mineralization of methylated sulfur. Due to its relative instability toward oxidation and methodological issues pertaining to salinity, however, MSI has not been measured directly in seawater. This project aimed to adapt a colorimetric method to gas chromatography (GC), potentially increasing throughput and reducing limits of detection. Derivatization with a diazonium reagent allowed for extraction of MSI into organic solvent and subsequent GC analysis. The method was then applied to samples from the Sargasso Sea and the Gulf of Maine. These results represent the first measurement of MSI in seawater and provide a new understanding of sulfur cycling in the oceans.
Recommended Citation
Buzdon, Abigail M. and Spiese, Christopher E., "Analysis of methanesulfinic acid by GC" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 23.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Posters/23
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Analysis of methanesulfinic acid by GC
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Methanesulfinic acid (MSI) is a key component of the marine sulfur cycle, and represents an intermediate step in mineralization of methylated sulfur. Due to its relative instability toward oxidation and methodological issues pertaining to salinity, however, MSI has not been measured directly in seawater. This project aimed to adapt a colorimetric method to gas chromatography (GC), potentially increasing throughput and reducing limits of detection. Derivatization with a diazonium reagent allowed for extraction of MSI into organic solvent and subsequent GC analysis. The method was then applied to samples from the Sargasso Sea and the Gulf of Maine. These results represent the first measurement of MSI in seawater and provide a new understanding of sulfur cycling in the oceans.