![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
A fast method for the measurement of sub-ppb levels of naphthalene in ambient air is presented. Ambient air samples are collected by pumping air (2, 3 or 4 litres) through adsorbent tubes filled with Tenax-TA. Analysis is performed by thermal desorption and cryofocussing, followed by capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometric detection. The limit of detection is 0.1 ng of naphthalene; recoveries based on thermally desorbed naphthalene reach approximately 100%.
Up to one hour for sampling and analysis of naphthalene in air are required; this allows application of the procedure for monitoring this compound in urban areas and due to the low limit of detection in rural areas.