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Environ Sci Technol

Title:		Analysis of semivolatile organic compounds in atmospheric aerosols by direct sample introduction thermal desorption GC/MS
Author(s):		Falkovich AH; Rudich Y;
Address:		"Department of Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel"
Journal Title:		Environ Sci Technol
Year:		2001
Volume:		35
Issue:		11
Page Number:		2326 - 2333
DOI:		10.1021/es000280i
ISSN/ISBN:		0013-936X (Print) 0013-936X (Linking)
Abstract:		"A technique for identifying trace amounts of semivolatile organic compounds in atmospheric aerosols and in the NIST Urban Dust standard (SRM1649a) is presented. The technique is based on direct sample introduction (DSI) of small samples followed by thermal desorption in a conventional GC injector. The method enables injection of both solid and liquid samples. Validation of the method, including quantitative determination of EPA-targeted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as the reproducibility and recovery efficiency tests are presented. The advantages of using aluminum foil as sampling filter are also discussed. Determination of different classes of compounds such as quinolines, methylquinoline isomers, PAHs, and n-monocarboxylic acids in the ambient size-segregated aerosol sample is also performed. The method was directly applied to the determination of C6-C16 n-monocarboxylic acids, eliminating the need for a complex sample preparation procedure. The small quantities needed for the analysis as well as the lack of complicated sample preparation steps enable fast characterization of semivolatile organic species present in time-resolved or size-segregated aerosol samples. Thus, this method can potentially be employed for air quality monitoring and field measurements as well as for fast screening of the organic content of ambient particles"
Keywords:		Aerosols Air Pollutants/*analysis Cities Dust Environmental Monitoring/methods Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Organic Chemicals/*analysis Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/*analysis Temperature Volatilization;
Notes:		"MedlineFalkovich, A H Rudich, Y eng Evaluation Study Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2001/06/21 Environ Sci Technol. 2001 Jun 1; 35(11):2326-33. doi: 10.1021/es000280i"