Rapid sampling and analysis of volatile constituents of airborne particulate matter

Low-volume sampling coupled with direct thermal desorption was used to investigate the composition of the volatile organic fraction of urban airborne particulate matter. Samples of suspended particles are collected for 7 to 60 min by filtration of between 40 and 2000 L of air through a glass tube containing a small quartz fiber filter. This same collection tube is then connected directly to a cryogenically cooled fused silica capillary chromatography column into which the volatile organic compounds are rapidly thermally desorbed, at a maximum temperature of 254/sup 0/C for 15 min. As the column temperature is subsequently raised, chromatography proceeds, with detection of the desorbed organic compounds by flame ionization or mass spectrometry. The entire procedure, from sample collection to chromatographic analysis, can be performed in less than 1.5 h with minimal sample handling. 32 references, 5 figures, 4 tables.