VALIDATION OF A DIFFUSIVE SAMPLER FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ACETALDEHYDE IN AIR

A diffusive sampler for the determination of acetaldehyde in air was e valuated. Acetaldehyde was trapped on a filter impregnated with 2,4-di nitrophenylhydrazine and the hydrazone formed was analysed using HPLC with UV detection. As the capacity of the standard sampler was too low , a modification was made. The capacity of the modified sampler was su fficient for 8 h sampling at 90 mg m(-3) and the method was sensitive enough for the measurement of less than 4.5 mg m(-3) in a 15 min sampl ing period. The sampling rate of 17.1 ml min(-1) (RSD = 6.7%) was not influenced by the sampling time, concentration or relative humidity. T he sampler can be used for both personal sampling and area sampling.