Automated measurements of 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in the atmosphere by cryogenic preconcentration/capillary GC/flame ionization detection

Abstract

An automated analytical system for atmospheric volatile halogenated hydrocarbons is described. Dichloromethane, CFC113, chloroform, 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene and p-dichlorobenzene were analyzed using a system based on cryogenic concentration and capillary GC (FID). The deterction limit for trichloroethylene was estimated to be 20 pg (20 ppt in 200 ml of sample air), and the precision was ±3% at the ppb level. The method has been successfully used to determine hourly variations of 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in the atmosphere at the Tsukuba area over two weeks in July.