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EVALUATION OF PASSIVE SAMPLING DEVICES (PSDS)
Citation:
Coutant, R. EVALUATION OF PASSIVE SAMPLING DEVICES (PSDS). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/4-85/034.
Description:
The basic objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of the EPA passive sampling device (PSD) for sampling of ambient level volatile organic compounds (VOC's); to develop an understanding of the mechanics of passive sampling using reversible adsorption; and to apply this understanding to development of an improved PSD that is usable for sampling of VOC's over periods of 8 to 24 hours. Laboratory and limited field evaluations of the standard and modified PSD's were conducted and a model relating sorbent properties and device design to sampling rates was developed. The results show the standard PSD's to be useful for sampling of VOC's having large retention volumes. Modified PSD's having greatly reduced sampling rates show promise for sampling compounds having retention volumes as low as 5 to 10 L/g over 8 to 24 hour sampling periods. The use of Spherocarb as an alternative sorbent to Tenax GC also was investigated as a means for improving the performance of the PSD. This sorbent was found to be unsuitable because of the high temperatures required for desorption. It is recommended that the model which was developed be used for developing sampling plans for specific applications, and that more extensive field evaluation of the reduced-rate PSD's be conducted.