Wet effluent diffusion denuder technique and determination of volatile organic compounds in air: I. Oxo compounds (alcohols and ketones)

The wet effluent diffusion denuder (WEDD) preconcentration technique for the determination of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ketone and methyl n-propyl ketone in air is discussed. The compounds are continuously collected into a thin film of deionized water flowing down the inner wall of the cylindrical wet effluent diffusion denuder. The concentrate is analysed by gas chromatography. Detection limits of alcohols and ketones are as low as 1 μg/l (GC–flame ionization detection) and/or 1 ng/l (GC–MS). This technique could be applicable for the continuous monitoring of ppb (v/v) levels of both alcohols and ketones in the air.