Analytical Technique for the Determination of BTEX from Air Passive Sampler

Abstract

An effective analytical method is required to detect a trace amount of BTEX trapped on theadsorbent used in the passive air samplers. This research had studied the optimal conditions in detectingBTEX by GC including: the GC operating conditions, sample preparation techniques and types of sorbentin passive sampler device. It was found that the GC/FID method has a higher efficiency in BTEX analysisthan the GC/MS method. The n-hexadecane sorbent used in the passive sampler with head spacetechnique had a better BTEX analytical detection comparing to both the carbon pellet adsorbent withBTEX extracted by carbon disulfide, and carbon pellet adsorbent with BTEX desorption by headspacetechnique, respectively. The BTEX detection limit of these three methods mentioned above were 2nanograms, 2 micrograms and more than 10 micrograms, respectively.

Keywords : BTEX / Air Passive Sampler