Evaluation of C1–C13 carbonyl compounds by RRLC-UV in the atmosphere of Niterói City, Brazil

In this present work, the concentration of 31 carbonyl compounds (CC) were determined in the atmosphere of Niterói City, RJ, Brazil, between January 9th and 14th, 2010, in 7 periods of two hours in each day. Rapid Resolution Liquid Chromatography with UV detection of the corresponding hydrazones was employed. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone were found to be the most abundant CC in all the 42 samples. Experimental data showed one period of maximum concentration of CC that occurred between 10:00 and 12:00 h, regardless of the day, with concentrations varying between 16.20 and 52.30 μg m−3. The ratios of the concentrations of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were ≥1 in all periods and the mean ratio was 2.0. The results obtained were lower than those previously found in Rio de Janeiro City, indicating that Niterói is a less polluted area in terms of this criterion. This is a novel work related to the aspects that concern the determination of most CC in the atmosphere of Niterói City and medium size Brazilian cities.

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► Carbonyl compound as atmospheric contaminants.
► Concentrations depend on day period and emission.
► Evaluation showed variation of concentration in different time intervals and along the week.
► Predominance of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde related to Brazilian automotive fuels.