PerkinElmer Collaboration Helps Improve How Pace Analytical Services Collects and Analyzes Air Samples

Význam tématu

Air quality monitoring for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) is critical near contamination sources such as manufactured gas plant (MGP) remediation sites. Traditional EPA methods (TO-15 for VOCs and TO-13A for PAHs) involve complex sample preparation, toxic solvents, long analysis times and limited analyte ranges. Developing a unified, solvent-free, cost-effective method enhances laboratory efficiency, reduces exposure risks and extends the scope of detectable compounds.

Cíle a přehled studie

The main objective was to establish a single analytical protocol based on EPA Method TO-17 to capture both BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) and the 16 regulated PAHs in ambient air. Pace Analytical Services partnered with PerkinElmer to design new multi-layer sorbent tubes, optimize thermal desorption parameters and validate the method against performance metrics and real-world field samples.

Použitá metodika a instrumentace

Sampling and analysis were conducted using active sampling onto custom-engineered sorbent tubes followed by automated thermal desorption and GC-MS detection. Key elements included:

• Multi-layer charcoal-based sorbent tubes capturing analytes from C4 to C40 in a single pass
• TurboMatrix 650 ATD automatic thermal desorber for two-stage desorption and in-line water purging
• PerkinElmer Clarus SQ8 GC-MS for separation and detection of a broad analyte range
• Pre-sampling addition of internal standards to each tube for quality control and quantification accuracy

Hlavní výsledky a diskuse

Method validation demonstrated:

• Quantitative recovery of VOCs up to C12 and PAHs up to C40 with low carryover
• Detection limits significantly lower than TO-15 due to larger sampled volumes (tested at 50 L, 95% RH; plans to extend to 300 L)
• Full tube cleaning achieved in a single desorption cycle, eliminating solvent use and lengthy cleanup
• Extended analytical hold times (up to 28 days) compared to seven days for TO-13A
• Successful analysis of authentic field samples confirming method robustness

Přínosy a praktické využití metody

The TO-17 single-tube approach delivers multiple benefits:

• Eliminates the need for methylene chloride and Soxhlet extraction, reducing hazardous waste and exposure
• Shortens total analysis time and reduces labor requirements through automated desorption
• Low-cost, lightweight sampling media and extended-life battery pumps enable long-term field deployments
• Consolidation of VOC and SVOC measurements into a single sample streamlines laboratory workflows and cuts client costs

Budoucí trendy a možnosti využití

Future developments will focus on expanding sample volume studies (up to 300 L), integrating real-time remote sampling accessories, and adapting the method for emerging contaminants. The versatile sorbent tube design may be applied to indoor air quality assessments, occupational exposure monitoring and complex emission source profiling. Digital data management and automated reporting tools are expected to further enhance throughput.

Závěr

The collaborative effort between Pace Analytical Services and PerkinElmer successfully produced a unified, green, cost-effective air monitoring solution that captures a wide analyte range with improved sensitivity and safety. Adoption of the TO-17 thermal desorption method simplifies field sampling and laboratory analysis, driving higher productivity, lower operating costs and broader market opportunities.

Reference

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Compendium Method TO-15, Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Air Using Summa Canisters and GC/MS; Office of Research and Development: Cincinnati, OH; 1999.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Compendium Method TO-17, Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Ambient Air Using Active Sampling on Sorbent Tubes; Office of Research and Development: Cincinnati, OH; 1999.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Compendium Method TO-13A, Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Ambient Air Using GC/MS; Office of Research and Development: Cincinnati, OH; 1999.
• PerkinElmer. Clarus SQ 8 Gas Chromatograph–Mass Spectrometer Product Information; PerkinElmer, Inc.: Waltham, MA; 2014.
• Provost R.L.; Marotta L.D. Single Tube Sampling and Analysis of VOCs and SVOCs in Air: A Cost-Effective Green Solution. Separation Science Webinar; 2014.
• Provost R.L.; Marotta L.D.; Thomas R. A Single-Method Approach for the Analysis of VOCs and SVOCs in Air Using Thermal Desorption–GC/MS. LC/GC; submitted 2014.