Question

Which of the following detectors is widely used to detect environmental samples like chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls?

(a) Flame ionization detector

(b) Thermal conductivity detector

(c) Argon ionisation detector

(d) Electron capture detector

This question was addressed to me in class test.

Enquiry is from Detection System of Gas Chromatography topic in portion Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer 1

Right answer is (d) Electron capture detector

The best I can explain: Electron capture detector is used to detect environmental samples like polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides. It is highly sensitive to molecules containing functional groups such as halogen and phosphorous.