Validation of a diffusive sampler for the determination of acetaldehyde in air

A diffusive sampler for the determination of acetaldehyde in air was evaluated. Acetaldehyde was trapped on a filter impregnated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and the hydrazone formed was analysed using HPLC with UV detection. As the capacity of the standard sampler was too low, a modification was made. The capacity of the modified sampler was sufficient for 8 h sampling at 90 mg m(-3) and the method was sensitive enough for the measurement of less than 4.5 mg m(-3) in a 15 min sampling period. The sampling rate of 17.1 ml min(-1) (RSD = 6.7%) was not influenced by the sampling time, concentration or relative humidity. The sampler can be used for both personal sampling and area sampling.