Multidimensional capillary gas chromatography for the monitoring of individual non-methane hydrocarbons in air

Abstract

Mainly of anthropogenic origin, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are now well known to represent air pollutants of first priority, because of their harmful direct and indirect impacts on human health. So, a permanent and continuously monitoring of individual VOC in the atmosphere and especially in urban air becomes more and more required. In this paper, the ability of the multidimensional gas chromatography to constitute an alternative possibility in the monitoring of individual non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) in the atmosphere is demonstrated. The principle of the method as well as of the sampling and analytical system are described. Results obtained from a 2 years monitoring experiment in different areas in Douai are also reported.