Analysis of Organics in Clays with Laser Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

Details Analysis of Organics in Clays with Laser Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Organics in Clays with Laser Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

Dec 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p43c1451t&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P43C-1451

Biology

[1060] Geochemistry / Planetary Geochemistry, [1094] Geochemistry / Instruments And Techniques, [5200] Planetary Sciences: Astrobiology, [5494] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Instruments And Techniques

Scientific paper

A range of clays have been detected on the surface of Mars lending support to the presence of an early water-rich epoch dramatically different than the planet’s current environment. The potential preservation of ancient chemical habitability signatures in clays could drive future missions such as NASA’s Mid-Range Rover to such “phyllosilicate regions”. Various laboratory studies have focused on the incorporation and preservation of organic material, such as amino acids, nucleobases, and more complex biomarkers, in terrestrial clays. Laser-based time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) may be one technique capable of conducting such analyses in situ without extensive sample preparation. We are testing the capabilities of a miniature TOF-MS to analyze clay minerals and any associated organic molecules. We have recorded baseline mass spectra of terrestrial source clays SWy-2 (Na-Montmorillonite), KGa-1b (Kaolinite), and SAz-2 (Ca-Montmorillonite) obtained via the Source Clays Project of the Clay Minerals Society. Here we will present the first results of our measurements of the selected clays in their natural state, as well as spiked with an amino acids standard. The focus of this presentation will be both on the absorption of the amino acids as well an on the detection capability of the TOF-MS instrument.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Analysis of Organics in Clays with Laser Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Analysis of Organics in Clays with Laser Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Analysis of Organics in Clays with Laser Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1772593