Where are mass spectrometers used?
1 Answer
Jun 14, 2015
Mass spectrometers are used in almost every area of science.
Explanation:
Here are a few examples.
Archeology
- Carbon dating
Biology and Biotechnology
- Identifying structures of complex molecules such as peptides and proteins
Earth Science
- Measuring petroleum precursors in rock
Environmental Science
- Monitoring toxins in animals and fish
- Monitoring atmospheric, water, and soil contaminants
- Monitoring food contaminants
Forensics
- Analysis of poisons or toxins in body tissues
- Analysis of trace evidence such as carpet fibres, paint flakes, etc.
- Identification of accelerants used by arsonists
- Identification of explosive residue from bombings
- Testing for traces of chemicals likely to be used by terrorists
Medicine
- Monitoring the respiratory gases of patients under anesthesia
- Neonatal screening
- Hemoglobin analysis
Paleontology
- Radioactive dating
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Characterization of new drugs
- Identifying impurities in drugs
- Studies of drug metabolism
Space Exploration
- Analysis of the solar wind
- Analysis of planetary soil and atmosphere
- Monitoring air quality and composition in space shuttles
Sports Medicine
- Testing for the presence of steroids, diuretics, and stimulants in a person's body
