Determination of methyl isocyanate (MIC) in air of workplaces by HPLC

Abstract

To establish the method of detecting the concentrations of methyl isocyanate (MIC) in air of workplaces with high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC). Samples are collected by XAD-7 tubes coated with 1-(2-pyridyl) piperazine (1-2PP). Samples are desorbed with acetonitrile (ACN) and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a fluorescence detector. There was a linear relationship within the range of 0.01 ∼ 10 µg/ml, and the detection limit was 5.3×10(-4) µg/ml. The minimum detectable concentration was 0.01 µg/ml, and the lowest detected concentration was 3.3×10(-3) mg/m(3). The relative standard deviation was 2.2% ∼ 5.3%. The average desorption efficiency was 90% and the sampling efficiencies were 100%. The samples could be stored for 10 days in cold storage condition. The present method could meet with the requirements of Guide for establishing occupational health standards-Part4 Determination methods of air chemicals in workplace and be feasible for determination of MIC in workplace air.