Characterization and Optimization of a High Surface Area-Solid Phase Microextraction Sampler for the Collection of Trace Level Volatile Organic Compounds in the Field

摘要

A prototype rapid, high volume air sampling device based on Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) has been developed for the collection of trace level volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The High Surface Area-Solid Phase Microextraction (HSASPME) device contains ten times more polymer than traditional SPME fibers and is uniquely designed to optimize compound uptake at higher flow rates. This study evaluated the extraction efficiency at six air sampling flow rates ranging from 0.1 L/min to 10 L/min and compared total compound extraction at the two extreme flow rates. A 10 ppb(v) concentration of 39 volatile organic compounds was used. Carboxen/Poly(dimethylsiloxane) and Poly(dimethylsiloxane) polymer coatings were evaluated using an Agilent 6890N/5973, a resistively heated Low Thermal Mass Gas Chromatograph column and an Entech 7100 Preconcentrator. Larger extraction efficiencies were observed at lower flow rates, but the higher flow rates proved superior in total compound extraction per unit time. Across the range of compounds, the HSASPME device achieved an average 8-fold increase in compound uptake at a flow rate of 10 L/min as compared to 0.1 L/min.