Isomeric analysis of BTEXs in the atmosphere using beta-cyclodextrin capillary chromatography coupled with thermal desorption and mass spectrometry.
An analytical method capable of determining trace levels of BTEX-aromatics (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-, p- and o-xylenes) in the atmosphere with as high resolution as possible has been developed. The method is based on the preconcentration of air samples using a multibed tube (Carbopack C, Carbograph 1) at ambient temperature, followed by thermal desorption, and analysis of aromatic species by a beta-cyclodextrin capillary chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The resolution achieved was sufficient for individual separation of BTEXs as well as m- and p-xylenes. The BTEX-ratios have been determined in an air tunnel and in on-road, suburban and rural forest atmosphere. The ethylbenzene/m-xylene ratios could provide a deep insight into anthropogenic related NMHC patterns at different locations and under different meteorological conditions and may reflect photochemical processes in the best way.
Yassaa
Noureddine
N
Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, USTHB, BP 32, El-Alia, Bab-Ezzouar, 16111 Algiers, Algeria. nyassaa@mailcity.com
Brancaleoni
Enzo
E
Frattoni
Massimiliano
M
Ciccioli
Paolo
P
D000327:Adsorption; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D001554:Benzene / Q000032:analysis*; D001555:Benzene Derivatives / Q000032:analysis*; D002845:Chromatography; D002947:Cities; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D007536:Isomerism; D007558:Italy; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins
D000393:Air Pollutants; D001555:Benzene Derivatives; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins; D001554:Benzene; C031215:betadex