New technology enables rapid detection of TNT metabolites in the human body

TNT undergoes biodegradation under the influence of fungi and bacteria, producing hazardous metabolites such as 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-ADNT), 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2,4-DANT), and 2,6-diamino-4-nitrotoluene (2,6-DANT). These metabolites pose potential health risks, making their detection critical, especially among workers in TNT manufacturing facilities.

In this study, the self-developed DDT-IMS technology was used for the rapid detection of these four metabolites. The research team conducted dual-mode detection, calculating the ion mobilities of the metabolites and analyzing how drift tube temperature affected the results. Furthermore, they evaluated the instrument response times for both detection modes.

Source:

Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences

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