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Seasonal variations in ambient atmospheric levels of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00127a017· OSTI ID:6351785
A simple technique is described for determining ambient atmospheric levels of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde by using impinger collection in acidified 2,4-dinitrophenyl-hydrazine/acetonitrile solution and direct high-pressure liquid chromatography with UV absorbance detection of the corresponding phenylhydrazone solution on reversed-phase columns. A limit of detection of approx. 1 ppb for 1-h impinger collections is obtained. Data from a coastal NE US site show no discernible diurnal trends, but strong seasonal variations in the levels of both aldehydes are observed, with summer maxima and winter minima. Formaldehyde/acetaldehyde ratios are relatively high (>4) in winter and spring and low (<2) in summer and fall.
Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH00016
OSTI ID:
6351785
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 18:9; ISSN ESTHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English