The objective of this project was to develop sampling and analytical methods for volatile organic compounds, including methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO), and methyl methacrylate (MMA) in stacks and ambient air for Environmental Analysis Laboratory, EPA to establish standard operation methods. As stacks, MTBE, EO, PO, and MMA were sampled using gas sampling bags and then analyzed by GC/FID. As for ambient air, MTBE, PO, and MMA were sampled using canisters and then analyzed by GC/MS, and EO was sampled using sampling tubes packed with activated carbon coating hydrogen bromide and then analyzed by GC/ECD.
Based on experimental results, as for stacks, the detection limits of MTBE, EO, PO, and MMA were 0.092 ppmv, 0.256 ppmv, 0.155 ppmv and 0.207 ppmv, respectively. Accuracy were 105.13%, 95.58%, 104.31% and 98.23%, respectively. Precision were 3.23%, 3.07%, 2.94% and 4.70%.
As for ambient air, the detection limits of MTBE, EO, PO, and MMA were 0.419 ppbv, 0.856 ppbv (sampling volume was 12 liter), 1.934 ppbv and 1.116 ppbv, respectively. Accuracy were 100.27%, 97.99% (sampling volume was 12 liter), 102.74% and 100.66%, respectively. Precision were 3.73%, 4.74% (sampling volume was 12 liter), 3.78% and 3.60%.
The sampling and analytical methods developed in this project were proven to be practical by surveying at least 2 field samplings (air emission stacks or ambient air). Besides, two technical communication seminars were taken place in October and November. All the study results were reported in the technical drafts for EPA’s reference.
