Optimising the gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical protocol for the identification of Martian meteorite organics

Douglas, Jodie Anna (2026) Optimising the gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical protocol for the identification of Martian meteorite organics. MRes thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Martian missions and meteorite analyses confirm the presence of indigenous, organic compounds in the planet’s atmosphere, sediments and rocks. However, investigations are constrained by the basaltic nature and limited mass of available Martian meteorites. The Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission will enable comprehensive laboratory analyses of Martian material on Earth highlighting the need to optimise methods for detecting trace organics in low-mass, organic-poor igneous materials.

This study aimed to optimise sample preparation, extraction, and GC-MS analytical protocols using basaltic analogues from the Bockfjorden Volcanic Complex (BVC), Svalbard. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed carbonate globules textually and mineralogically similar to those found in Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001 (~4 Ga), confirming the suitability of BVC rocks as terrestrial analogues.

The findings from this study reveal that ball milling was the most efficient method for producing a more homogenous finer powder, improving extraction reproducibility. Solvent extractions using an Accelerated Solvent Extractor (ASE) yielded total TLE for GC-MS analysis, which successfully identified indigenous organic compounds. A fuller molecular suite required 1.5g of sample, exceeding typical Martian meteorite allocations of ~0.25g. These results emphasise the challenges of detecting organics in low-carbon igneous materials and the need to refine GC-MS protocol for low-mass planetary samples ahead of MSR analyses.

• Item Type: Thesis (MRes)
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Earth Sciences
• Supervisor's Name: Hallis, Dr. Lydia and Toney, Professor Jaime
• Date of Award: 2026
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2026-85857
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 02 Apr 2026 13:18
• Last Modified: 02 Apr 2026 13:18
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.85857
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/85857