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Evaluation of an intensive sampling and analysis method for carbon monoxide
1U. S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Research Laboratories, Air Resources Laboratory, Field Research Division, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402, USA.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
A portable, low-cost air sampler effectively measures urban carbon monoxide (CO) levels. Its precision is sufficient for verifying National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Air Quality Monitoring
Background:
- Urban areas face challenges in accurately monitoring ambient carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations.
- Existing monitoring equipment can be expensive and less portable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate a portable, low-cost whole air sampler for urban CO monitoring.
- To assess the sampler's performance against approved methods and its suitability for regulatory compliance.
Main Methods:
- Development of a portable sampler collecting 12 1-L samples in tedlar bags powered by a single "D" cell.
- Evaluation through comparison with a continuous CO analyzer, sample re-analysis, and co-located sampler intercomparisons.
Main Results:
- The analytical method precision was +/-0.30 ppmv.
- The sampling method precision was +/-0.73 ppmv, identified as the limiting factor.
- The overall method precision is adequate for verifying National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Conclusions:
- The developed portable sampler offers a viable, cost-effective solution for urban CO monitoring.
- The sampling method's precision, while limiting, meets regulatory verification needs.
- Potential improvements for the sampler and analytical procedures are identified.