Chapter 5 Automated diffusion-based collection and measurement of atmospheric trace gases

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the automated diffusion-based collection and measurement of atmospheric trace gases. Diffusion based collection of trace gases into a liquid not only offers a means of discrimination from concurrently present particles, the integration of continuous or batch mode analytical systems for the analysis of the liquid effluent provides unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy. Based on these principles, many gases can be routinely measured at low to sub-ppb levels. Diffusion scrubber (DS) devices provide a contained liquid volume and can be operated in a stopped liquid flow mode where they can themselves provide further preconcentration. liquid core waveguide (LCW) based DS devices constitute a unique new entry and may offer very inexpensive alternatives for measuring gases at typical urban levels. Selective luminogenic reactions for gas measurement using LCW DS devices have not been reported and may be uniquely attractive and sensitive.