Determination of complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds in ambient air: an overview

This article reviews developments in the sampling and analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air since the 1970s, particularly in the field of environmental monitoring. Global monitoring of biogenic and anthropogenic VOC emissions is briefly described. Approaches used for environme...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 2006-10, Vol.386 (4), p.1089-1098
Main Authors: Wang, D. K. W, Austin, C. C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adsorption
Air analysis
Air Pollutants - analysis
Air Pollutants - chemistry
Atmosphere - chemistry
Canister
Complex Mixtures
environmental monitoring
GC/MS
Humans
Industrial hygiene
Organic Chemicals - analysis
Organic Chemicals - chemistry
Sorbent
VOC
Volatile organic compound
Volatilization
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Summary:This article reviews developments in the sampling and analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air since the 1970s, particularly in the field of environmental monitoring. Global monitoring of biogenic and anthropogenic VOC emissions is briefly described. Approaches used for environmental monitoring of VOCs and industrial hygiene VOC exposure assessments are compared. The historical development of the sampling and analytical methods used is discussed, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of sorbent and canister methods are identified. Overall, there is considerable variability in the reliability of VOC estimates and inventories. In general, canister methods provide superior precision and accuracy and are particulary useful for the analysis of complex mixtures of VOCs. Details of canister methods are reviewed in a companion paper.
ISSN:1618-2642
1618-2650
DOI:10.1007/s00216-006-0475-5