A train of carbon and DNPH-coated cartridges for the determination of carbonyls from C1 to C12 in air and emission samples

A train of carbon and DNPH-coated cartridges set in series is proposed as a suitable method for determining all carbonyl compounds from C1 to C12 in air and emission samples. While the front traps are analyzed by GC–MS after thermal desorption, back-up cartridges are analyzed by HPLC–UV after liquid extraction. The method has been tested through laboratory and field experiments. Practical applications are reported and data obtained used for discussing the possible origin of volatile and semi-volatile compounds in forest areas of the Mediterranean basin.