GC-MS system to help GSPCB in monitoring organic pollutants

PANJIM, JULY 12
The introduction of Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) system will now help the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to monitor the concentration level of organic pollutants in the environment in better way.
The GC-MS system funded by the State government (Rs 44.57 lakh) was inaugurated on Monday at the hands of Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira.
“With the commissioning of the new instrument, the monitoring capabilities of the board have increased. The GSPCB laboratory can now test water quality for parameters like alkalinity, conductivity, oils and grease, carbon, nitrogen and others,” GSPCB chairman Simon D’Souza said.
D’Souza said that the GC-MS instrument is a combination of two individual instruments-the Gas Chromatograph and the Mass Spectrometer, which has several limitations if used individually.
“A combination of two makes it a powerful tool,” he added.
The system has two libraries installed in it – NIST library containing details of 1,19,235 compounds and the pesticides library containing details of 578 compounds.
The chairman informed that the supplier of the instrument, M/s Toshwin, has provided in-house training to the technical staff of the board on the working and maintenance of the instrument.
Talking at the inaugural function, Sequeira said that with the commissioning of the new instrument, the work load has increased but the board needs to work it sincerely and apply their minds in protecting the environment.
“The State government will provide full support whenever required,” he said.