COMMISSION ON ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY (VI.2)
Number: 620/19/95
Title: Development of Diffusive Samplers
Coordinator(s): R.H.
Brown
Remarks: EC project EDSI (European Diffusive Sampler Initiative)
with partners Netcen (UK), TNO (NL), BP (UK), Arbeitsmiljoinstitutet
(S), EC JRC (I) and CONCAWE
Completion Date: 1999
Objective:
To optimise the performance of diffusive samplers used for monitoring
pollutant levels to assess ambient air quality. HISTORY: diffusive
samplers are compact devices, originally developed for workplace
air monitory. Recently, Molasch has expanded their capabilities
to measuring low levels of pollution in ambient air. The devices
are complementary to fixed monitoring stations but have the advantage
of low cost and are capable of being placed in virtually any location.
BENEFIT: to provide technology at low cost enabling air quality
surveys to be routinely executed at multiple locations within urban
and rural areas, industrial sites and forests. The project is strongly
aligned with EU Programmes and Directives, and supports the Division's
focus on solving environmental problems and developing appropriate
analytical methodologies. Phase 1: Investigation of long-term (2-4
week) effective sampling rates for a thermally desorbable diffusive
sampler for VOC's (specifically benzene, tolnere and xylene) Phase
2: Investigation of non-ideal diffusive sampling by 'Palmes'-type
open-path samplers for reactive inorganic gases (specifically NOx,
SO2,
NH3) due to wall-effects. Phase 1 undertaken by Health and Safety
Laboratory, Sheffield, UK Phase 2 undertaken by Stichting Energieonderzoek
Centrum Nederland, NL.
Progress:
Project completed - Technical Report published in Pure
Appl. Chem.,
71(10), 1993-2008 (1999) entitled: 'The use of diffusive
sampling for monitoring of benzene, toluene and xylene in ambient
air '.
Last Update: 2 May 2000