Simultaneous determination of four kinds methyl acrylate compounds in workplace air

Abstract

Objective: To develop a solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for simultaneous determination of methyl methacrylate (MMA) , ethyl methacrylate (EMA) , n-propyl methacrylate (PMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) in workplace air. Methods: MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA in workplace air were captured by charcoal tubes and desorbed with carbon disulfide, separated through capillary chromatographic column, and then analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Results: The linear ranges of MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA were 0-8 305.00 mg/L, 0-9 080.50 mg/L, 0-8 899.00 mg/L and 0-8 371.00 mg/L respectively, and the related coefficients were between 0.999 96-0.999 98. The relative standard deviations (RSD) within the group were 0.56%-1.71%, 0.45%-1.65%, 0.51%-1.49% and 0.45%-1.50% respectively, and the RSD between the group were 1.14%-2.79%, 0.79%-2.13%, 0.93%-2.30% and 1.09%-2.84% respectively. The average desorption efficiencies were 95.76%-99.58%, 97.82%-102.28%, 98.55%-102.28%and 98.70%-102.40% respectively. The minimum quantification concentrations were 0.12 mg/m(3), 0.10 mg/m(3), 0.07 mg/m(3) and 0.07 mg/m(3) respectively (3.00 L sample) . The samples could be stored at room temperature for at least 7 days. Conclusion: This method could be used for monitoring of MMA, EMA, PMA and BMA in workplace air.