Simultaneous determination of polar and non-polar solvents in air using a two-phase desorption from charcoal

A gas chromatographic procedure is described which is capable of measuring both polar and non-polar organic solvents present simultaneously in the work environment at concentrations between 1/100 and 1 times the Threshold Limit Values (TLV). Airborne organics are collected on a single activated charcoal tube for periods of 3 to 6 hours and desorbed with a two-phase (water/carbon disulfide) desorption mixture. Organic and aqueous phases are analyzed separately on the same gas chromatographic column packed with Oronite NIW on Carbopack B. Recoveries were determined for fifteen common solvents. Most recoveries were greater than 90% with all coefficients of variation being less than +/- 10%. Breakthrough was observed only when solvents were present at very high concentrations. Examples of field sampling are also presented. This procedure is generally applicable for monitoring complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds in air. Advantages include excellent recoveries for polar solvents such as acetone and ethanol, utilization of common analytical instrumentation under a single set of operating conditions and compatibility with TWA personnel monitoring methodology.