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Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that is used to
identify unknown compounds, to quantify known compounds, and to elucidate
the structure and chemical properties of molecules. Detection of compounds
can be accomplished with very minute quantities (as little as 10-12g,
10-15 moles for a compound of mass 1000 Daltons). This means
that compounds can be identified at very low concentrations (one part
in 1012) in chemically complex mixtures. Mass spectrometry
provides valuable information to a wide range of professionals: physicians,
astonomers, and biologists, to name a few.
- Detect and identify the use of steroids in athletes
- Monitor the breath of patients by anesthesiologists during surgery
- Determine the composition of molecular species found in space
- Determine whether honey is adulterated with corn syrup
- Locate oil deposits by measuring petroleum precursors in rock
- Monitor fermentation processes for the biotechnology industry
- Detect dioxins in contaminated fish
- Determine gene damage from environmental causes
- Establish the elemental composition of semiconductor materials
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