Laboratory evaluation of a prototype portable gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID) for toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (TEX) analysis

Abstract The standard method to evaluate human exposure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is in general performed by sampling the air on sorbents followed liquid extraction and detection using laboratory gas chromatograph (GC). conventional time labor intensive employs a toxic solvent which adds risk factor as well waste. Hence, there have been increasing demands for portable GC instruments allow near real-time, in-situ analysis. In this study, potential use of prototype, dual column (protoGC) with flame ionization detector (FID) was examined comparing its performance method. Four target concentration levels (1x, 2x, 4x, 8x; x = 1.12 ± 0.01 ppm) toluene, ethylbenzene, o-, m-, p-xylene were generated an chamber (24 1 °C 50 5% RH). challenge atmosphere directly sampled analyzed protoGC while it sorbent tube GC/FID. results correlated (r 0.991–0.999), indicating that has comparable within test conditions. Although two-way ANOVA showed significant differences mean concentrations between methods, small. would be useful monitor VOCs high temporal resolution or quickly determine safety environment interest due substantial savings Further examinations at various environmental conditions other analytes will necessary thoroughly performance.