SAMPLE COMPOSITION CHANGES IN SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS IN AEROSOLS

Effects of transportation and storage of air particulate filters on sample composition were investigated by GC and GC/MS analysis of 42-Hi-Vol filter samples taken in a large metropolitan city. One-half of the filters were transported and stored using paper envelopes while the others were individually wrapped in aluminum foil before transportation. One half of each filter received was extracted and analyzed immediately while the other half was stored in a refrigerator for later analysis. Significant losses of organic material from stored filters was observed for filters stored in paper envelopes and filters sealed in aluminum foil, although losses were less for filters wrapped in metal foil. There is some indication that metal foil may protect filters from external contamination after sampling. © 1979, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.