SWIM: Progress Report on the Organics Detection from Water

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is developing a Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (QIT-MS) suited for detecting ppm and ppb levels of organics within the liquid sample. The QIT-MS sensor is of the same heritage as one used in Spacecraft Atmosphere Monitor (S.A.M.). However, the pumping system, introduction of the sample, and operational architecture and procedures are different. We present our progress in this new instrument development and illustrate its ruggedized design by injecting 98% concentrated sulfuric acid that has the potential as a solvent for biochemistry. Using ruggedized QIT-MS to detect organic species dissolvable in water is straightforward and directly supports Spacecraft Water Impurity Monitor (SWIM) technology development.