Multidimensional capillary gas chromatography for the monitoring of individual non-methane hydrocarbons in air

Mainly of anthropogenic origin, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are now w ell known to represent air pollutants of first priority, because of their h armful direct and indirect impacts on human health. So, a permanent and con tinuously monitoring of individual VOC in the atmosphere and especially in urban air becomes more and more required, In this paper, the ability of the multidimensional gas chromatography to constitute an alternative possibili ty in the monitoring of individual non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) in the a tmosphere is demonstrated. The principle of the method as well as of the sa mpling and analytical system are described. Results obtained from a 2 years monitoring experiment in different areas in Douai are also reported.