Evaluation of High Volume Particle Sampling and Sample Handling Protocols for Ambient Urban Air Mutagenicity Determinations

摘要

An investigation of high volume particle sampling and sample handling procedures was undertaken to evaluate variations of protocols being used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These protocols are used in urban ambient air studies which collect ambient and source samples for subsequent mutagenicity analysis of the organic extracts of the aerosol fraction. Specific protocol issues investigated include: (1) duration of sampling period, (2) type of filter media used to collect air particles, (3) necessity for cryogenic field site storage and Dry Ice shipping of filter samples, and (4) sample handling at the receiving laboratory. Results indicate that the sample handling variations and collection period variables had no significant effect on recovery of organics or mutagens. However, a filter type difference was observed. The recovery of organics and mutagens was significantly greater for teflon impregnated glass fiber filters than for glass fiber or quartz. Results from a second phase of study indicated differences in extraction efficiencies for these filter types.