A Passive Sampler for Atmospheric Ozone

Abstract

A simple, cost-effective passive sampler has been developed for the determination of atmospheric ozone. This passive sampler is based on a colorant which fades upon reaction with ozone, whose concentration can be determined by reflectance measurement of the color change. Direct, on-site measurements are possible, and no chemical analyses are needed.

Sampler design and validation studies have been carried out and included quantitative determination of color change vs exposure time (1–8 days), color change vs. ozone concentration (30–350 ppb), and response to changes in sampler configuration that modify the passive sampling rate. With indigo carmine as the colorant, the detection limits are 30 ppb. day and 120 ppb. day using a plastic grid and a Teflon filter, respectively, as diffusion barriers. Interferences from nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and peroxyacetyl nitrate are 15,4 and 16 percent, respectively, thus resulting in a negligible bias when measuring ozone in ambient air.