Evaluation of a small prototype passive sampler for airborne volatile organic compounds

A small prototype passive sampler assembled from relatively inexpensive and readily available materials was improved and evaluated for the determination of airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Automated injection of extract aliquots directly from samplers into a gas chromatography system after in situ solvent extraction of VOCs with CS2 is an attractive feature of the method. The performance of the method was compared with that based on the use of the Organic Vapour Monitors 3500 (OVM3500) from 3M Co. at different concentrations (ca. 0.01 to 30 mg/m3) of 25 VOCs in controlled atmospheres for ca. 8 h sampling periods. For most compounds, concentration values obtained with the prototype sampler were within ±30% of those obtained with the OVM3500 at concentrations below ca. 5 mg/m3. This method is useful primarily for exposure/workplace monitoring but does not have sufficient sensitivity for general ambient air measurements.