A quantification method for peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) using gas chromatography (GC) with a non-radioactive pulsed discharge detector (PDD). (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Lei; Jaffe, Daniel A.; Gao, Xin; McClure, Crystal D.
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 179(2018)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Peroxyacetyl nitrate -- Gas chromatography -- Pulsed discharge detector -- Non-radioactive; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2018.02.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, we developed a method for continuous PAN measurements by gas chromatography (GC) with a non-radioactive pulsed discharge detector (PDD). Operational parameters were optimized based on the ratio of peak height over baseline noise (P/N ratio). The GC/PDD system was compared with a traditional radioactive electron-capture detector (ECD). In the lab, the method detection limit (MDL) of the new GC/PDD method (9 pptv) was lower than the radioactive GC/ECD method (15 pptv), demonstrating its excellent potential. The MDL of GC/PDD in the field campaign at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory (MBO) was 23 pptv, higher than in the lab. This was caused in part by the decreased slope of the calibration curve resulting from the low air pressure level at MBO. However, the MDL level of GC/PDD at MBO is still low enough for accurate PAN measurements, although special attention should be paid to its application at high-elevation sites. Observations of PAN were conducted at MBO in the summer of 2016 with the GC/PDD system, and provided more evidence of the performance of the system. PAN was found to be highly correlated with CO. The promising performance of GC/PDD which does not require a radioactive source makes it a useful approach for accurate PAN measurements in the field. Highlights: A non-radioactive GC/PDD method has been developed for PAN measurements. The GC/PDD method has similar or better performance as the GC/ECD method. The PDD detector has reduced sensitivity at lower ambient pressures.