The applicability of DNPH active collectors as passive collectors for the determination of formaldehyde in indoor air

Ubiquitous formaldehyde in indoor air is analysed by reaction with dinitrop henylhydrazine (DNPH) and separation with HPLC. The goal of this publicatio n is the testing of a commercial DNPH active collector for passive collecti on. Modified DNPH active collectors were used for 2, 4, and 8 days, as pass ive collectors at the same conditions. In parallel, formaldehyde was collec ted by an impinger and analysed spectrophotometrically. The specific diffus ion coefficient of the sampler was calculated from the experimental measure ments. In total 56 DNPH collectors were located symmetrically in order to m easure any concentration difference within the room and to correct them acc ordingly. The results show that the modified commercial DNPH collector is s uitable for the estimation of the average concentration of formaldehyde in indoor air based on a 1-week sampling period.