EVALUATION OF CHROMATOGRAPHIC SORBENTS USED IN AIR-POLLUTION STUDIES

Laboratory and field experiments were performed to examine potential in situ formation of chemical substances or their decomposition on the surface of Tenax GC, XAD-2 and carbon sorbents. The effects no NOx and ozone in air were tested for conversion of olefins plus molecular halogens into halogenated hydrocarbons. Possible reactions between ozone and olefins producing polar products on sorbent surface were studied. Trace quantities of halogenated hydrocarbons were produced in reactions between molecular halogens (bromide and chlorine) and 2-butene and cyclohexene but not with ethylene or propylene. These in situ reactions were prevented by using a sodium thiosulfate impregnated glass fiber filter in front of the sorbent cartridge to quench the reactive gases. © 1979.