Analytical method for monitoring airborne trimethylamine using solid phasemicro-extraction and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection

Herein a new approach, which utilizes acidified filter in sampling, solid-p hase microextraction (SPME) in extracting and GC/FID in analysis, was devel oped and evaluated for monitoring airborne trimethylamine. The results indi cate that the mean collection efficiency of the acidified filter is 105.1% and the breakthrough volume is 241, based on a sampling rate of 100 cc/min and concentration at two times the recommended exposure level. The extracti on time is 5 min, a non-equilibrium condition, using PDMS fiber. The calibr ation range is 0.04-0.8 mg and the mean recovery is 100.4%. The analysis co efficient of variation (CVa) and the total coefficient of variation (CVT) i s 2.11 and 3.4%, respectively. Samples are stable for at least 28 days unde r both ambient and freeze conditions. In short, this method is simple, feas ible and with satisfactory accuracy and precision, and thus can be used as a reference method for monitoring occupational exposure to trimethylamine. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.