Physico-chemical qualification of a universal portable sampler for aerosols and water-soluble gases. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roux, Jean-Maxime; Sarda-Estève, Roland
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics. Number 646(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Physics -- Congresses; 530.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/646/1/012012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-6588

Abstract

Abstract: Developing a universal portable air sampler based on electrostatic precipitation. The challenge is to collect micro and nanoparticles, microorganisms as well as toxic molecules with a portable device. Electrostatic precipitation is an efficient and gentle method to collect airborne microorganisms and preserve their cultivability. But the collection of toxic gases required is not possible in such a device. The collection of such gases requires a liquid into which they have to be solubilized. Two concepts are being evaluated. The first one is based on electrospray. The goal is to investigate the collection efficiency of water-soluble gases. The second concept is based on the semi-humid electrostatic precipitator. Their high collection efficiencies for particles were already demonstrated. In the present study they are both tested with water-soluble gases. Concentrations are measured in the liquid solution by Ion Chromatography and in the gas phase by Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometry.