A Passive Sampling Study of Small-Scale Variations in Ambient Acetaldehyde and Formaldehyde Concentrations

Amanda M. Evans, Amy L. Stuart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Radiello passive diffusive aldehyde samplers were used to measure ambient formaldehyde and acetaldehyde levels, approximately every 0.7 km in a 10 km 2 sampling area in Hillsborough County, Florida from January 21 to 28, 2010. Samples were analyzed for aldehyde-DNPH derivatives via high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Concentrations were compared with values at a regulatory fixed-site monitor. Distribution statistics, concentration ratios, and spatial contours were calculated to investigate spatial variability. Mean aldehyde concentrations were 2.4 and 1.1 μg/m 3 for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, respectively. Observed spatial concentration patterns were similar for both aldehydes and suggest the influence of nearby roadway emissions. Overall, the spatial variation was small, with coefficients of variation of 13% and 22%, respectively. Results here provide methods and data for understanding exposures to aldehydes at high spatial resolution.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalAir, Soil and Water Research
Volume4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2011

Keywords

  • passive aldehyde sampling
  • intra-urban spatial variation
  • Restek Allure AK column
  • exposure misclassification

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