Abstract
This paper describes a simple microcolumn of silica gel, its behavior under experimental conditions and its applicability to air sampling. Data are presented for the ultraviolet spectral absorbance analysis of selected aromatic hydrocarbons, using a base line correction for background interference. The problems of direct silica gel elution and ultraviolet spectrophotometry are discussed, and resolution of the particulate background problem by base line calculations is shown. The silica gel microcolumn is proved simple, practical, and highly efficient for sampling air contaminants. Although only spectrophotometric analysis of eluates is reported here, other methods of analyzing the sorbed contaminant are suggested.