A comparison of sorbent sample cartridges for the collection and analysis of volatile organic compounds collected in large office buildings

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:197474

Keever, J T; Sheldon, L ^[1]

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1. Research Triangle Inst., Research Triangle Park, NC (United States)

The use of sorbent materials for the collection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air has been utilized for decades. Both polymeric (i.e., Tenax) and carbonaceous (i.e., Ambersorb, charcoal) sorbents have been used for the collection of VOCs. Each material has a unique affinity for various volatile compounds and, subsequently, are often selectively employed for the collection of specific classes of chemicals. In an effort to increase the number of VOCs which can be collected and analyzed using a single sample cartridge, draft BASE protocols for the collection and analysis of VOCs using both multi-sorbent sample cartridges have been developed. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of Tenax GC and multi-sorbent cartridges. A sample collection of VOCs on both Tenax and multi-sorbent sample cartridges was conducted in three large office buildings. Both sample types were analyzed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data for instrument calibration, method blanks, method controls, and estimated method quantitation limits are presented. The results of the sample analysis for the co-located cartridges are compared. The agreement between the Tenax and multi-sorbent methods is discussed.

• OSTI ID: 197474
• Report Number(s): CONF-9405167--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
AIR SAMPLERS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
OFFICE BUILDINGS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
VOLATILE MATTER