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A Convenient Alternative for Low Level VOC Sampling
Poster Presentation
Prepared by L. Coyne, C. Kuhlman
SKC Inc., 863 Valley View Road, Eighty Four, PA, 15330
Contact Information: lcoyne@skcinc.com; 724-941-9704
ABSTRACT
Environmental health professionals are being called upon to measure ppb levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for many new applications. Current applications include vapor intrusion, fence line monitoring, community impact studies, and indoor air quality/green buildings. Stainless steel canisters have historically been the primary collection device for low level VOC sampling, but these devices are not always convenient or suitable for the current requirements. Canisters do not effectively collect semi-volatile compounds. Sample times are typically limited to 24 hours or less with canisters and they are bulky and impractical for emergencies or other situations where you need to place a lot of samplers. Passive diffusive samplers specifically designed for (sub) ppb level VOC sampling are a convenient alternative to canisters. Diffusive samplers are small, quiet, and easy to use. They are well suited for long-term studies up to 30 days and for sampling of semi-volatiles with proper sorbent selection. Passive samplers can be conveniently placed indoors, on fence lines, and in urban areas for ambient air studies. This study describes the use of the ULTRA III passive sampler for indoor and ambient air sampling of VOCs with analysis by gas chromatography (GC). The ULTRA III sampler contains two sorbent beds: one is for sample collection and the other serves as a blank for quality assurance. In this study, ULTRA III passive samplers containing three different sorbents, Anasorb GCB1, Carbograph 5, and activated carbon were used to sample various VOCs in indoor air for sample times of 1 to 30 days and the results were compared to co-located canister samples. The data showed correlation coefficients of 0.95, 0.98, 0.985, 0.999, and 0.981 for benzene, toluene, m,p-xylene, o-xylene, and perchloroethylene, respectively. The laboratory and field data also showed consistent uptake rates for 1 to 30 days for benzene, ethyl benzene, methyl-t-butyl ether, toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene and toluene. In conclusion, passive diffusive badges are a reliable collection device for low level VOC sampling and they provide a convenient alternative to canisters for many indoor and ambient air applications.
Poster Presentation
Prepared by L. Coyne, C. Kuhlman
SKC Inc., 863 Valley View Road, Eighty Four, PA, 15330
Contact Information: lcoyne@skcinc.com; 724-941-9704
ABSTRACT
Environmental health professionals are being called upon to measure ppb levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for many new applications. Current applications include vapor intrusion, fence line monitoring, community impact studies, and indoor air quality/green buildings. Stainless steel canisters have historically been the primary collection device for low level VOC sampling, but these devices are not always convenient or suitable for the current requirements. Canisters do not effectively collect semi-volatile compounds. Sample times are typically limited to 24 hours or less with canisters and they are bulky and impractical for emergencies or other situations where you need to place a lot of samplers. Passive diffusive samplers specifically designed for (sub) ppb level VOC sampling are a convenient alternative to canisters. Diffusive samplers are small, quiet, and easy to use. They are well suited for long-term studies up to 30 days and for sampling of semi-volatiles with proper sorbent selection. Passive samplers can be conveniently placed indoors, on fence lines, and in urban areas for ambient air studies. This study describes the use of the ULTRA III passive sampler for indoor and ambient air sampling of VOCs with analysis by gas chromatography (GC). The ULTRA III sampler contains two sorbent beds: one is for sample collection and the other serves as a blank for quality assurance. In this study, ULTRA III passive samplers containing three different sorbents, Anasorb GCB1, Carbograph 5, and activated carbon were used to sample various VOCs in indoor air for sample times of 1 to 30 days and the results were compared to co-located canister samples. The data showed correlation coefficients of 0.95, 0.98, 0.985, 0.999, and 0.981 for benzene, toluene, m,p-xylene, o-xylene, and perchloroethylene, respectively. The laboratory and field data also showed consistent uptake rates for 1 to 30 days for benzene, ethyl benzene, methyl-t-butyl ether, toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene and toluene. In conclusion, passive diffusive badges are a reliable collection device for low level VOC sampling and they provide a convenient alternative to canisters for many indoor and ambient air applications.