METHODS OF SAMPLING, PRESERVATION AND ANA LYSIS OF ORGANIC-ACIDS IN ATMOSPHERIC SAMPLES - A REVIEW

Numerous studies have been devoted to determine the concentration of o rganic acids in the liquid, gaseous and particular phases of the atmos phere. Nevertheless, field measurements are limited mainly because of the analytical challenges posed by trace concentrations and interferen ces arising from atmospheric co-pollutants. We review here the princip al methods used in the literature for sampling, preservation and analy sis of organic acids in atmospheric samples, emphasizing more particul arly the principles, advantages and limitations of each methods. Since a large number of methods have been used specifically for determinati on of low molecular weight organic acids such as formate and acetate, it is clear that for more than a decade of work, many analyses have be en made, nevertheless, comparison between these results are hazardous on account of the diversity of the analytical protocol used. The prese nt work should allow to specify conditions for an intercomparison of t he results.