Efficient passive sampler using copper oxide micro-adsorbent for the detection of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) from the small lab-scale spilled crude oil

Abstract

A laboratory-made passive sampler based on CuO microparticles was developed as a simple and cost-effective device for detecting volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). A small vial filled with CuO microparticles used as a passive sampler. In a closed system, and after exposed to the real sample (crude oil in Petri dish), the adsorbent was desorbed. The VSCs were detected in gas chromatograph (GC) with PFPD detector. The experimental results showed that CuO based passive sampler can detect many numbers of VSCs. The results from CuO micro-adsorbents were compared with commercial charcoal adsorbent in the same passive sampler setup. CuO based passive sample showed much better than charcoal in which the amount of VSCs adsorbed by CuO are nearly double value from charcoal adsorption. Furthermore, 2-Methylthiophene, 2-propanethiol and allyl methyl sulfide were adsorbed remarkably by CuO microparticles.