Reliability of a BTEX radial diffusive sampler for thermal desorption: field measurements

Radiello(R), a radial symmetry diffusive sampler, has been evaluated for its potential for ambient air quality monitoring, in particular for benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, p-xylene, m-xylene, o-xylene (BTEX) measurements. BTEX were first sampled onto adsorbing cartridges before analyses were performed by thermal desorption and GC-MS. Tests were carried out to determine blank values and any storage effects. The results of an investigation into repeatability of the Radiello(R) sampler and the influence of sampling time under field conditions are reported. Inter-comparison with automatic instruments is also illustrated. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.