Continuous Permeation Sampler for Monocyclic Aromatic Priority Pollutants in Water

Abstract

A method for continuous monitoring or off-site analysis of monocyclic aromatic priority pollutants in water is described. The monocyclic aromatics permeate through a polymeric membrane and are purged by an inert gas stream into a sampling tube packed with Tenax-TA. The samples are then thermally desorbed into a capillary column gas chromatograph. This sampler has advantages over conventional methods, such as eliminating time-consuming preconcentration procedures and avoiding the need for an organic solvent. Seven monocyclic aromatics with concentration of from low to mid-μg/L can be detected using one hour sampling time.