Some critical parameters in collection, recovery and gas chromatographic analysis of organic pollutants in ambient air using light adsorbents

The mutual influence of organic compounds present in the atmosphere on their break through volumes when trapped on light adsorbents is evaluated. The effect of moisture and geometrical characteristics of the traps is also investigated. An explanation of the dependence of the break through volumes on the concentration is given in terms of self deactivation of the adsorbent. This operates as a stationary phase by a mechanism similar to that occurring in gas-liquid-solid chromatography. © 1981.