Analysis of volatile organic compounds in the ambient air of Algiers by gas chromatography with a β-cyclodextrin capillary column

The concentrations of para- and meta-xylenes were given together in the majority of measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because of nonseparation of these two compounds by gas chromatography in usual capillary columns. In order to improve the separation of VOCs in ambient air, a beta-cyclodextrin capillary column was used. The pollutants were sampled by two methods, i.e., adsorption on a charcoal cartridge followed by liquid extraction and solid-phase microextraction. About 26 VOCs, mainly aromatics, were identified in urban air of Algiers. The use of a beta-cyclodextrin column allowed good separation of aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as of para- and meta-xylenes. Inversion of elution order was also observed regarding the other aromatics, in particular ethylbenzene and meta- and para-xylenes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.