Miniaturised air sampling techniques for analysis of volatile organic compounds in air

Abstract Growing concern about the effects of atmospheric pollutants on climate and human health has accelerated the development of novel analytical methods, including sampling systems, for the determination of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Miniaturised air sampling (MAS) techniques have attracted wide attention in the past two decades due to their advantages (ease of operation, time-integrated sampling, small/no organic solvent consumption, and potential for automation). This review focuses on the latest developments in these techniques, including needle trap microextraction (NTME), in-tube extraction (ITEX), sorption trap, solid-phase microextraction (SPME fibre, SPME Arrow, and retracted SPME fibre), thin-film microextraction (TFME), solid-phase dynamic extraction (SPDE), and stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). Further, their benefits, drawbacks, and applicability to air sampling are discussed. The applications of MAS techniques for the analysis of atmospheric air, indoor air, breath air, and emissions of plants and foods are summarised and discussed.