The determination of tetraalkyl lead in air by a denuder diffusion technique

A diffusion method for the selective determination of tetraalkyl lead (TAL) in air is proposed. Separation from inorganic lead takes place on an ICl-coated annular denuder, where only TAL is removed during sampling. A differential technique making use of two denuders in series prevents any interference from particulate lead. Analysis of denuder acid extracts by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry provides a direct measure of organic lead thus avoiding a complex solvent extraction procedure.