Volatile Organic Compounds: Sampling Methods and Their Worldwide Profile in Ambient Air

Abstract

The atmosphere is a particularly difficult analytical system because of the very low levels of substances to be analysed, sharp variations in pollutant levels with time and location, differences in wind, temperature and humidity. This makes the selection of an efficient sampling technique for air analysis a key step to reliable results. Generally, methods for volatile organic compounds sampling include collection of the whole air or preconcentration of samples on adsorbents. All the methods vary from each other according to the sampling technique, type of sorbent, method of extraction and identification technique. In this review paper we discuss various important aspects for sampling of volatile organic compounds by the widely used and advanced sampling methods. Characteristics of various adsorbents used for VOCs sampling are also described. Furthermore, this paper makes an effort to comprehensively review the concentration levels of volatile organic compounds along with the methodology used for analysis, in major cities of the world.

Spatial analysis of volatile organic compounds in South Philadelphia using passive samplers

“…VOC passive samplers may be used to monitor select petroleum-related VOCs such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX) and do not require a power source. Sampling integrals are typically a week or more for passive samplers to measure pollutants above detection limits (Kumar and Víden, 2007;Martin et al, 2005;Partyka et al, 2007).…”

Atmospheric BTEX concentrations in the vicinity of the crude oil refinery of the Baltic region

“…The automatic monitoring station located in the region does not measure BTEX concentration in the air. Also, in order to understand the dynamics, concentrations, and spread of BTEX within the territory, a detailed knowledge of their presence in ambient air over time and in various seasons is required (Kumar and Viden 2007). The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine of atmospheric levels of BTEX in the region rural and urban parts at the vicinity of the crude oil refinery; and (2) to investigate the effect of meteorological parameters (wind speed, wind direction, temperature, pressure, humidity) on the concentrations measured.…”

Volatile organic compounds in air at urban and industrial areas in the Tarragona region by thermal desorption and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

“…Regarding ozone regulation in ambient air, the legislation recommends measuring a list of VOC ozone precursors in order to analyze the trends of these compounds, check the efficiency of emission reduction strategies, and help to attribute emission sources (Directive 2002/3/CE). VOCs are commonly monitored by continuous sampling and analysis by gas chromatography, by sampling on passivated canisters, or by dynamic or diffusive adsorption on solid adsorbents and analyzed by thermal desorption and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (MS) or flame ionization detection (FID) (Camel and Caude 1995;Dewulf and Van Langenhove 1999;Harper 2000;Demeestere et al 2007;Kumar and Viden 2007;Tanimoto et al 2007;Ulman and Chilmonczyk 2007). Because air pollutants are present at very low concentrations, their isolation and enrichment is an important step in the analytical procedures used to determine their presence (Demeestere et al 2007;Partyka et al 2007).…”