Development and validation of a nitrogen dioxide passive sampler

Abstract

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the main indicators of traffic-related air pollution in urban areas. Active sampling methods (common methods) are expensive and need advanced devices. While Passive sampling is a simple and low-cost method for measuring air pollutants, including NO2. Therefore in this study, we developed a passive sampler to measure ambient NO2 and validation its performance by comparing it with active sampling methods. Ambient NO2 was measured for 24 h by both active and passive sampling methods in the same locations (2 m height above grand level and 15 m distance from air pollution sources). Sampling of NO2 was repeated for 18 days to compare ambient NO2 concentrations measured by active and passive methods and validation our developed passive samplers.•To develop passive samplers we used three stainless steel filters impregnated with a combination of triethanolamine and acetone (25:25 mL) in each tube.•Active NO2 sampling was conducted using the modified Satlzman method (standard method).•There was a strong correlation between NO2 concentration obtained from active and passive sampling methods (r = 0.84).