Advantages and limits of adsorption sampling for physico-chemical measurements of odorous compounds

Abstract : Adsorption of organic odorous compounds on different sorbents was studied as a sampling technique. Performances and limits of such a preconcentration method were determined by using synthetic atmospheres of odorous pollutants under different conditions and Tenax TA and Carboxen 564 as sorbents. Flow rate, temperature and concentration influences on sampling were tested independently and combined. The influence of humidity on sampling and the efficiency of dryers were also studied. Sample concentration and recuperation by thermal desorption was developed and analysis was performed by GC/MS.