This guide provides a broad perspective on techniques that can be used by environmental managers for selecting VOC air monitoring methods. It summarizes various methods for measurement of VOC in air derived from a variety of sources and experiences and incorporates them into condensed guidelines. This guide provides a common basis for selecting methods for VOC measurement as well a discussion of the limitations of typical methods.

This guide should be used during the planning stages of an air monitoring program along with other applicable guides and practices (for example, D1357) to select ASTM or other appropriate methods.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide provides assistance in the selection of active integrative sampling methods, in which the volatile organic analytes are collected from air over a period of time by drawing the air into the sampling device, with subsequent recovery for analysis. Where available, specific ASTM test methods and practices are referenced.

1.2 Guidance is provided for the selection of active sampling methods based either on collection of an untreated air sample (whole air samples) or selective sampling using sorbent concentration techniques that selectively concentrate components in air. Advantages and disadvantages of specific collection vehicles are presented.

1.3 This guide does not cover the use of cryogenically cooled field sampling devices used in some automated analysis systems. Detailed instructions for cryogenic recovery of compounds captured as whole air samples or thermally desorbed from sorbents are typically covered in standard methods for sample analysis and are beyond the scope of this guide.

1.4 Both thermal and solvent desorption techniques for sample recovery are discussed.

1.5 Organic compounds are classified on the basis of vapor pressure as very volatile, volatile, semivolatile and nonvolatile. Physical characteristics of many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are provided to aid in selection of sampling techniques for VOC measurement. Semivolatile and nonvolatile organic compounds are defined in the guide to help guide users avoid misidentifying compounds that are not covered in this guide.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres

D1357 Practice for Planning the Sampling of the Ambient Atmosphere

D3686 Practice for Sampling Atmospheres to Collect Organic Compound Vapors (Activated Charcoal Tube Adsorption Method)

D3687 Practice for Analysis of Organic Compound Vapors Collected by the Activated Charcoal Tube Adsorption Method

D5197 Test Method for Determination of Formaldehyde and Other Carbonyl Compounds in Air (Active Sampler Methodology)

D5466 Test Method for Determination of Volatile Organic Chemicals in Atmospheres (Canister Sampling Methodology)

D5953M Test Method for Determination of Non-Methane Organic Compounds (NMOC) in Ambient Air Using Cryogenic Preconcentration and Direct Flame Ionization Detection Method

D6196 Practice for Selection of Sorbents, Sampling, and Thermal Desorption Analysis Procedures for Volatile Organic Compounds in Air

Keywords

canisters; polarity; reactivity; sampling; semivolatile organic compounds; sorbents; SVOC; VOC; volatile organic compounds; volatility; VVOC; whole air; Volatility; Whole air sampling; Active integrative sampling; Polarity; Reactivity; Sampling air/atmospheric materials/applications; Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC); Sorbents; Volatile organic compounds (VOC)--atmospheres;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.040.99 (Other standards related to air quality)

Citing ASTM Standards

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