Characterisation of atmospheric semi-volatile organic compounds

Authors

  • P.B.C Forbes Laboratory for Separation Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
  • E.W Karg Cooperation Group “Analysis of Complex Molecular Systems”, Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-85758 Neuherberg, Germany
  • G.E Geldenhuys 1. Laboratory for Separation Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa., 2. Mineral Processing Laboratory, Impala Platinum Limited, 123 Bethlehem Drive, Rustenberg, 0299
  • S.A Nsibande Laboratory for Separation Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
  • R Zimmermann 1. Cooperation Group “Analysis of Complex Molecular Systems”, Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre, Helmholtz Zentrum München, D-85758 Neuherberg, Germany., 2. University of Rostock, Division of Analytical and Technical Chemistry, D-18059 Rostock, Germany
  • E.R Rohwer Laboratory for Separation Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

Keywords:

denuder, particulate matter, aerosol, semi-volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, silicone, GCxGC-MS, air quality, human health

Abstract

Atmospheric semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, which may be present in the gaseous phase and adsorbed onto the surface of aerosol particles. A novel portable miniature denuder consisting of two multi-channel silicone rubber traps separated by a quartz fibre filter has been developed for such applications. It allows for the concentration of SVOCs in each phase to be determined, which is important for human health risk assessments. The overall particle transmission efficiency through the
denuder was found to be 92 ± 4% for particles between 16 and 320 nm. SVOCs in the traps (gas phase) or on the filter (particle phase) are analysed by GC-MS, or by GCxGC-MS for enhanced separation capability. This enhances detection limits and allows for lower sampling flow rates and shorter sampling times. These denuders have been applied in studies involving the monitoring of emissions from domestic fires, vehicles and underground mine diesel engines.

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Published

2013-06-03

How to Cite

Forbes, P., Karg, E., Geldenhuys, G., Nsibande, S., Zimmermann, R., & Rohwer, E. (2013). Characterisation of atmospheric semi-volatile organic compounds. Clean Air Journal, 23(1). Retrieved from https://cleanairjournal.org.za/article/view/7136

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2013): Clean Air Journal

Section

Research Article

License

Creative Commons License
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