Application of thermal desorption methods for airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon measurement: A critical review.

Application of thermal desorption methods for airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon measurement: A critical review. Environ Pollut. 2019 Aug 07;254(Pt A):113018 Authors: Liu H, Ma S, Zhang X, Yu Y Abstract Thermal desorption (TD) is a universal solvent-free pre-concentration technique. It is often used to pre-concentrate semi-volatile and volatile organic compounds in various sample types. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread contaminants from incomplete combustion of organic matter and fossil fuel, which have carcinogenic effects on human health. Conventional methods for determining PAHs, represented by solvent extraction, are gradually being replaced by solvent-free methods, typically the TD technique, because of TD's many advantages, including time savings and environmentally friendly treatment. This work presents an extensive review of the universal methods used to determine PAHs in the atmosphere based on the TD technique. The methods currently used for collection and detection of both gas- and particle-phase PAHs in the air are critically reviewed. In addition, the operating parameters of the TD unit are summarized and discussed. The design shortcomings of existing studies and the problems that researchers should address are presented, and promising alternatives are suggested. This paper also discusses important parameters, such as reproducibility and limit of detection, that form a crucial part of quality ...
Source: Environmental Pollution - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Environ Pollut Source Type: research