The effects of face velocity and path length on the uptake rates of volatile organic compounds measured by diffusive samplers

확산포집기로 공기중 ppb 농도수준의 휘발성유기물질 포집시 확산길이와 기류변화가 시료포집속도에 미치는 영향

  • Byeon, Sang-Hoon (Dept. of Environmental Sanitation, College of Health Sciences, Korea University) ;
  • Stock, Thomas H. (University of Texas-Houston, Health Science Center, School of Public Health) ;
  • Morandi, Maria T. (University of Texas-Houston, Health Science Center, School of Public Health) ;
  • Afshar, Masoud (University of Texas-Houston, Health Science Center, School of Public Health) ;
  • Cross, Jay (University of Texas-Houston, Health Science Center, School of Public Health)
  • Received : 2000.12.04
  • Accepted : 2001.03.21
  • Published : 2001.05.30

Abstract

Passive samplers have been used for personal, indoor, and outdoor air monitoring of VOCs at ppb concentrations in community and office environments. The path length of modified passive sampler was shortened, so it was intended to increase an uptake rate. The performance of the modified 3M 3500 organic vapor monitor(OVM) as a tool for assessing exposures to toxic air pollutants in nonoccupational community environments was evaluated using combined controlled test atmospheres of six selected target volatile organic compounds(VOCs): benzene, methyl tert-butyl ether(MTBE), chloroform, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, tetrachloroethylene, and toluene. The experiments were conducted by exposing the dosimeters to concentrations of $50{\sim}100{\mu}g/m^3$ on six face velocity(0.00, 0.02, 0.06, 0.12, 0.20, 0.30 m/sec) for 24 hours. If the uptake rate was increased, that means that we could use the passive sampler more effectively. The uptake rates were increased linearly according to reduce the path length. Although the diffusion path length was shortened, the change of uptake rate was within ${\pm}25%$ of theoretical value, indicating that the modified passive sampler(TM) can be effectively used over the range of concentrations and environmental conditions tested with a 24-h sampling period if the face velocities were over 0.12 m/s for 6 components of VOCs. But when the face velocities were less than 0.12 m/s, uptake rates were reduced more than expected values. So, the passive sampler with the shortened path length should be used at indoor or outdoor environment where the face velocity should be over about 0.10 m/s. If the path length was shortened more, the uptake rate was more effected by starvation.

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