An analytical method for the analysis of trihalomethanes in ambient air using solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry: An application to indoor swimming pool complexes. (30th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carter, Rhys A. A.; West, Nigel; Heitz, Anna; Joll, Cynthia A.
• Is Part Of: Indoor air. Volume 29:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 499
• Page End: 509
• Publication Date: 2019-03-30
• Subjects: DBPs -- disinfection by‐products -- GC‐MS -- SPME -- swimming pool air -- trihalomethanes; Indoor air pollution -- Periodicals; Sick building syndrome -- Periodicals; Ventilation -- Periodicals; 613.5
• DOI: 10.1111/ina.12551
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-6947

Abstract

Abstract: A simple method for the collection and analysis of the four brominated and chlorinated trihalomethanes (THMs) in air samples is described. Ambient air samples were collected in pre‐prepared glass vials, with THM analysis performed using solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, where the need for chemical reagents is minimized. Analytical parameters, including oven temperature program, solvent volume, incubation time, vial agitation, extraction time and temperature, as well as desorption time and temperature, were evaluated to ensure optimal method performance. The developed method allows for point‐in‐time quantification (compared to an average concentration measured over extended periods of time), with detection limits between 0.7 to 2.6 µg/m 3 . Excellent linearity ( r 2 > 0.99), repeatability (3% to 11% RSD), and reproducibility (3% to 16% RSD) were demonstrated over a concentration range from 2 to 5000 µg/m 3 . The method was validated for the analysis of THMs in indoor swimming pool air and was used to investigate the occurrence of THMs in the air above 15 indoor swimming pools. This is the first study to report the occurrence of THMs in swimming pool air in Australia, and concentrations higher than those previously reported in other countries were measured.