What are the limitations for the use of Carbopack X as passive or active sampling adsorbent for determination of 1,3-butadiene in ambient environment?

Abstract

Two widely used sampling methods for measurement of 1,3 butadiene in ambient air include active sampling and radial passive sampling techniques using sorbent tubes filled with Carbopack X adsorbent. The laboratory study was designed to evaluate the suitability of these sampling methods for long-term monitoring of 1,3-butadiene in ambient air. The results point against the use of passive radial diffusive sampling for determination of 1,3-butadiene due to the dependence of its uptake rate on experimental conditions. Inability to correctly reflect the occurrence of episodes of high concentration levels using radial diffusive passive sampling was proven experimentally. As for active sampling technique, caution must be taken as to not overreach the safe sampling limit which considerably decreases as a function of temperature and relative humidity. At 10 ml min −1 flow-rate, the breakthrough volume per gram of Carbopack X material is established at 81.6–84.0 L at 50% RH, 20 °C; 61.2–64.8 L at 80% RH, 20 °C; and 24.0–28.8 L at 80% RH, 30 °C. Relatively low sampling times associated with these sampling volumes point to the need to develop more adequate supports for active sampling to enable long-term ambient monitoring. • Limitations of current passive sampling techniques for measurement of 1,3-butadiene. • Limitations of current active sampling techniques for measurement of 1,3-butadiene. • Dependence of uptake rate of 1,3-butadiene using Radiello on environmental conditions. • Decrease of safe sampling limit as a function of environmental conditions.