FIELD-EVALUATION AND AUTOMATION OF A METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF NITROGEN-OXIDES, ALDEHYDES AND KETONES IN AIR

The automation of a method for the simultaneous determination of nitro gen oxides, aldehydes and ketones is explained, and its applicability is shown by means of several field tests. All components were sampled together using impingers filled with a solution of 2,4-dinitrophenylhy drazine (DNPH). The corresponding derivatives were separated by HPLC a nd quantified by UV/Vis-absorbance at 345 nm. Measurements were also p erformed with solid sorbents. In order to explore the potential of thi s recently developed method, field samples were taken from: exhaust fr om automobiles, gas stoves, candle and cigarette smoke, and ambient ai r from restaurants. The variety of these sources demonstrates the vers atility of this technique. The new, method was validated in these fiel d measurements for NO2, NO, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acroleine, and acetone in the range of 20-100 000 ppbv, 50-100 000 ppbv, 10-15 000 p pbv, 20-250 ppbv, 10-150 ppbv, and 1-25 ppbv, respectively.