Development and application of a method for analyzing trifluoroacetic acid in environmental samples
- Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (United States)
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a stable end-product from the oxidative degradation of halocarbon refrigerants proposed for replacement of chlorofluorocarbons. The potential accumulation of TFA in the environment is of concern as halocarbons such as HCFC-123 (CCl{sub 2}HCF{sub 3}), HCFC-124 (CClHFCF{sub 3}) and HFC-134a (CF{sub 3}CFH{sub 2}) become more widely used. We developed a method for analyzing TFA in air, atmospheric water, and surface water, based upon (1) methylation of TFA with dimethylsulfate in sulfuric acid and (2) head-space gas chromatographic determination of TFA as its methyl ester using electron capture or mass selective detection. TFA levels at 50 ppt or less may be detected in water subjected to evaporative concentration, and at 1 ng/m{sup 3} or less in air sampled through a glycerine-bicarbonate denuder. Results from analyses of samples from Nevada and California will be presented.
- OSTI ID:
- 126296
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950402--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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