Field air analysis with SPME device

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) devices were used for a wide scope of ai r-monitoring including field sampling and analysis of volatile organic comp ounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and particulate matter (PM) in air. Grab (insta ntaneous) and time-weighted average (TWA) sampling were accomplished using exposed and retracted SPME fibers, respectively. Sampling time varied from 1 to 75 min, followed by analysis with a gas chromatograph (GC). A portable GC equipped with unique, in-series detectors: photoionization (PID), flame ionization (FID), and dry electrolytic conductivity (DELCD), provided almo st real-time analysis and speciation for common VOCs during an indoor air q uality surveys. Indoor air samples collected with SPME devices were compare d with those collected using conventional National Institute for Occupation al Safety and Health (NIOSH) methods. Air concentrations measured with the SPME device were as low as 700 parts-per-trillion (ppt) for semi-volatile o rganic compounds. SPME methodology proved to be more sensitive than convent ional methods, and provided a simple approach for fast, cost-effective samp ling and analysis of common VOCs in indoor air. SPME technology combined wi th fast portable GC reduced the sampling and analysis time to less than 15 min. The configuration offered the conveniences of immediate on-site monito ring and decision making, that are not possible with conventional methods. In addition, SPME fibers were applied to sampling of particulate matter in diesel engine exhaust. Linear uptake and particulate build-up on the fiber were observed. Preliminary research suggests that SPME fibers could also be applied to sampling of airborne particulate matter. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce B.V. All rights reserved.