EVALUATION OF AN INTENSIVE SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS METHOD FOR CARBON-MONOXIDE

This paper describes a portable, low-cost whole air sampler capable of collecting 12 1-L samples in tedlar bags and using a single ''D'' cel l for power. The results are presented from two tests of an intensive sampling and analysis method for measuring ambient carbon monoxide (CO ) concentrations in urban areas using this sampler. The method is eval uated in comparison with an approved continuous CO analyzer, in interc omparisons of the results of re-analysis of the samples, and by examin ation of the results from co-located samplers. The precision of the an alytical method was found to be +/-0.30 ppmv. The precision of the sam pling method was found to be +/-0.73 ppmv and therefore is the limitin g factor in the method's overall precision. These values are sufficien t to verify attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQ S) levels in urban areas. Improvements in the sampler and analytical p rocedure are discussed.