Development and Application of Diffusion Passive Samplers for Analysis of Hazardous Air-Pollutant Gases

Abstract

Having developed a diffusion passive sampler for measurement of indoor and outdoor nitrogen oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and ammonia (NH₃), we were able to investigate various types of air pollution. This sampler has many advantages such as long-term sampling ability, as its longer shape allows greater diffusion. Fitting an impermeable PTFE filter to the sampler protects against typhoon-like phenomena such as strong winds and heavy rain. The sampler is recyclable due to its simple design, which also allows cost reduction.
We used the sampler to measure the concentration of NO₂ and SO₂ for one month in big cities in China and South Korea where there is a high concentration of these gases. Also, using the sampler, we conducted tests on emissions from cars, ovens and kerosene heaters. In order to measure the concentration of NO₂ both indoors and outdoors, we installed the sampler in rooms and also attached it to people (housewives, children) for three days. The sampler was additionally used to monitor air pollutants such as NO, NO₂, SO₂, and NH₃ in an urban museum where air pollutants are generally at low levels. Finally, we tested the sampler to detect volatile organic compounds in homes and found it very useful for analysis with thermal-desorption GC/MS apparatus. We concluded that our sampler is effective for investigation of various kinds of pollutant gas in air.