Using the POD sampler for quantitative diffusive (passive) monitoring of volatile and very volatile organics in ambient air: Sampling rates and analytical performance.

POD diffusive samplers loaded with Carbopack X and Carbograph 5TD were exposed to certified calibration mixtures containing a total of 110 different ozone precursor and air toxic compounds. Constant sampling rates were identified for 39 ozone precursors and 33 air toxics. As 9 of these compounds were included in both mixtures, this meant a total of 63 different volatile and very volatile compounds were sampled using the POD with overall expanded uncertainties below 30 % for the sampling rate associated with the whole range of sampling times from 2 to 24 h.

The rate of removal and the compositional changes of diesel in Antarctic marine sediment.

Diesels and lubricants used at research stations can persist in terrestrial and marine sediments for decades, but knowledge of their effects on the surrounding environments is limited. In a 5 year in situ investigation, marine sediment spiked with Special Antarctic Blend (SAB) diesel was placed on the seabed of O'Brien Bay near Casey Station, Antarctica and sampled after 5, 56, 65, 104 and 260 weeks. The rates and possible mechanisms of removal of the diesel from the marine sediments are presented here.

Sorbent-based sampling methods for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in air. Part 2. Sorbent selection and other aspects of optimizing air monitoring methods.

Sorbent tubes/traps are widely used in combination with gas chromatographic (GC) analytical methods to monitor the vapour-phase fraction of organic compounds in air. Applications range from atmospheric research and ambient air monitoring (indoor and outdoor) to occupational hygiene (personal exposure assessment) and measuring chemical emission levels. Part 1 of this paper reviewed the main sorbent-based air sampling strategies including active (pumped) tube monitoring, diffusive (passive) sampling onto sorbent tubes/cartridges plus sorbent trapping/focusing of whole air samples that are either collected in containers (such as canisters or bags) or monitored online.

Sorbent-based sampling methods for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in air Part 1: Sorbent-based air monitoring options.

Sorbent tubes/traps are widely used in combination with gas chromatographic (GC) analytical methods to monitor the vapour-phase fraction of organic compounds in air. Target compounds range in volatility from acetylene and freons to phthalates and PCBs and include apolar, polar and reactive species. Airborne vapour concentrations will vary depending on the nature of the location, nearby pollution sources, weather conditions, etc.