Analysis of volatile organic compounds in the ambient air of Algiers by gas chromatography with a beta-cyclodextrin capillary column

The concentrations of para- and meta-xylenes were given together in the maj ority of measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because of nonse paration of these two compounds by gas chromatography in usual capillary co lumns. In order to improve the separation of VOCs in ambient air, a beta-cy clodextrin capillary column was used. The pollutants were sampled by two me thods, i.e., adsorption on a charcoal cartridge followed by liquid extracti on and solid-phase microextraction. About 26 VOCs, mainly aromatics, were i dentified in urban air of Algiers. The use of a beta-cyclodextrin column al lowed good separation of aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as of para- and met a-xylenes. Inversion of elution order was also observed regarding the other aromatics, in particular ethylbenzene and meta- and para-xylenes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.