AnaliseAr: a passive sampling device for low-cost simultaneous measurements of 16 atmospheric contaminants/pollutants

A new passive atmospheric gas sampling system is presented. With the AnaliseAr kit, it is possible to measure 16 atmospheric contaminants/ pollutants simultaneously, in external, internal and/or remote environments. Each kit, made of polypropylene, contains 15 passive samplers (PS), diffusive type, of low cost and simple operation. Impregnated or adsorbent filters are used in the PS, providing measurements of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, NOx, ammonia, aldehydes and organic acids (formic and acetic), inorganic acids (hydrogen sulfide, hydrochloric and nitric acids), and volatile organic compounds: Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX). The analysis of the fixed gases in the collection medium involves liquid chromatographic techniques such as HPLC and IC and gas chromatography (CG-FID), in addition to molecular absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy of the PS was evaluated against continuous analyzers and other active air sampling techniques. The application of AnaliseAr in the surroundings of Baia de Todos os Santos, Bahia, presented results with good precision and accuracy, within the limit recommended by the European Union.