Gas chromatography for determination of N-butylbenzene in workplace atmosphere

Abstract

To establish a method for the determination of N-butylbenzene in the workplace atmosphere by gas chromatography. N-butylbenzene in the workplace atmosphere was collected by activated charcoal tube, desorbed using carbon disulfide, and determined by capillary column gas chromatography. The method showed a linear relationship within the range of 0∼100 µg/ml. The regression equation was y = 0.870x-0.014, with the correlation coefficient r being 0.999 9. The limit of detection was 0.32 µg/ml. The minimum detectable concentration was 0.21 mg/m³ (with sampled air volume of 1.5 L). The average spike recovery rate was 97.8%∼102.6%. The within-run precision was 3.06% and the between-run precision was 3.64%. The rate of average desorption was 99.6%. The breakthrough volume was 6.34 mg. The sampling efficiency was 100%. The samples could be stored for at least 7 days at room temperature. All parameters of the method meet the requirements of GBZ/T 210.4-2008 "Guide for establishing occupational health standards-Part 4 Determination methods of air chemicals in workplace" and can be applied for the determination of N-butylbenzene in workplace atmosphere.