Evaluation of a Continuous Composite Sampler for Volatile Organic Compounds in Water

Abstract

The high volatility and low water solubility of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), make the collection of representative samples difficult. The standard grab sampling method only gives information of that moment in time when the sample is taken. When the composition of VOCs is varying, continuous composite sampling will give a more representative sample. However, no thorough evaluation of its use for VOCs has been reported.

The use of an automatic continuous composite sampler for the analysis of VOCs in water was studied. The causes and magnitude of the VOCs losses during the sampling process were determined.

Adsorbent cartridges were used to trap the VOCs escaping from solution during the sampling process. Sorption phenomena occurring on the containers and/or tubings were also evaluated. Sorption losses were much more significant than volatilization losses.

The results indicate that a modified version of this sampler can be an alternative for the long term sampling of water for VOC analysis.

Key Words:

• Volatile organic compounds
• sampling
• composite sampler
• water analysis