Gas chromatographic evaluation of the organic components present in the atmosphere at trace levels with the aid of carbopack b for pre-concentration of the sample

Abstract Enrichment on traps packed with Carbopack B adsorbent is proposed as a suitable method for the evaluation of organic compounds present at parts per 10 9 –10 12 levels in atmospheric samples. The technique has been applied to the determination of organics, dispersed in a suburban atmosphere, dissolved in rainwater or volatilized from the particulate matter emitted from an industrial emission and a diesel engine exhaust. A comparison between the collection efficiency of Carbopack B and Tenax GC in the sampling of C 6 –C 10 hydrocarbons is also presented. The results obtained with both simulated and natural atmospheres indicate that Crbopack B is more efficient and does not give rise to sampling artifacts in the presence of oxidants and acidic pollutants, which are shown instead to cause decomposition of the Tenax GC polymeric matrix. The chemical inertness of Carbopack B also permits the determination of organic compounds in anthropogenic emissions, where large amounts of NO 2 , water and strong acids are present.