Determination of aromatic hydrocarbons in air using diffusion denuders

The results of a study to evaluate a recently developed denuder sampling system for the determination of aromatic hydrocarbons in air are presented. Denuders of different lengths were tested in laboratory experiments by means of dynamically generated test gases at conditions similar to those at workplaces. Uptake rates, adsorption capacities as well as desorption efficiencies were measured at different sampling parameters. The influence of air humidity on the adsorption behaviour was determined. Finally, the suitability of the system for outdoor air investigations was checked. The denuders were very suitable for the determination of aromatic hydrocarbons in workplace air; the general feasibility to investigate outdoor air samples was demonstrated.