Reliability of a BTEX radial diffusive sampler for thermal desorption: field measurements

Radiello®, a radial symmetry diffusive sampler, has been evaluated for its potential for ambient air quality monitoring, in particular for benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, p-xylene, m-xylene, o-xylene (BTEX) measurements. BTEX were first sampled onto adsorbing cartridges before analyses were performed by thermal desorption and GC-MS. Tests were carried out to determine blank values and any storage effects. The results of an investigation into repeatability of the Radiello® sampler and the influence of sampling time under field conditions are reported. Inter-comparison with automatic instruments is also illustrated.