The objective of this project was to develop the sampling and analytical methods for
hazardous air pollutants, including bromoform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,4-
dichlorobenzene, benzyl chloride, 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,4-dioxane, and 1,1,2,2-
tetrachloroethane in flue pipe, and bromoform in ambient air. The sampling and analytical
methods of 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, benzyl chloride, 1,2-
dibromoethane, and 1,4-dioxane, which were studied in EPA’s project in 2018, and the
Method NIEA A721, which was published for 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane in flue pipe by
Environmental Analysis Laboratory, were optimized in this study
Based on the experiments, the storage results in 24 hours of six target compounds
(bromoform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, benzyl chloride, 1,2-
dibromoethane, and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane) in Tedlar sampling bags, which has better
storage performance than others, were not acceptable, which indicated that the sampling
method using Tedlar bags for this six compounds in flue pipe was not suitable. Afterwards,
the sampling method using absorption solvent (hexane) with constant flow was evaluated.
Based on the test results, the capture capacities, storages, and method detection limits
were all qualified for the detection requirements of the emission standards of flue pipe.
As for 1,4-dioxane, due to its solubility (miscible with water), the sampling method for
flue pipe was absorption solvent (methanol) with isokinetic sampling. When three
impingers were connected in series, the capture capacity was acceptable, the method
detection limit was 0.035 ppmv, and the method was qualified for the detection
requirement of the emission standard of flue pipe. As for bromoform in ambient air, the
canister method was evaluated. The storage results in 14 days was acceptable, and the
method detection limit was 0.039 ppbv. The sampling and analytical methods developed
in this project were proven to be practical by surveying at least 4 field samplings (flue
pipe or ambient air). Besides, two technical communication seminars were taken place in
September and October. All the study results were reported in the technical drafts for
EPA’s reference.
