Solid sorbent tube sampling and ion chromatographic analysis of formaldehyde

A new method for the collection and analysis of atmospheric formaldehyde is described. Known concentrations of formaldehyde were generated and collected on solid sorbent tubes containing impregnated charcoal which converted formaldehyde to formate. After desorption with dilute hydrogen peroxide, the formate was analyzed by ion chromatography. The sample generation system, collection on impregnated charcoal, desorption, ion chromatographic analysis, and recoveries are presented. The overall recovery of laboratory generated samples was 100% with 11% relative standard deviation. These samples were collected at 50 cc/min and 200 cc/min.