Microchemical Journa: 96 (2010; 132-130

Contents lists available at ScienceDirecit

Microchemical Journal
El _SF: VI ER

Development and validation of passive samplers for

atmospheric monitoring of SO2, NO2, 03 and H2S in tropical
areas

journal

h o m e p a g e : w w v v. e i s e v i e t . c P m / l o c a t e / m i c r o c

Vania P. Campos a'*, Licia P.S. Cruz a, Ricardo H.M. Godoi b, Ana Fl6via L
Godoi b, Tania M. Tavares
Analytical Chemistry Department, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Bahia. Salvador b

Department of Environmenml Engineerig, Federal University air Parana. Curitiba - Pg. Brazil

A R T I C L E

I N F O

Article history:
Received 21 November 2009
Received in revised form 23
February 2010 Accepted
23 Febniary 2010
Available online 1 March
2010

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Atmospheric monitoring

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A B S T R A C T

Traditionally
the
monitoring of atmospheric
pollutants is aimed at
managing accidents and
short-term actions for theprotection of human health
on local and regional scales.
These monitoring networks
required
cont inuous
measurements with high
time
resolut ion,
involving
costly
equipment operation and
maintenance. More recent
simulations
with
mathematical models and
scenario-building
on
regional. continental and
global scales, as well as
studies of environmental
personal exposure are
demanding, three main
types of monitoring design,
where need for special

resolution surpasses the one of temporal resolution: remote places, where no

electric power nor trained human resources are available; validation of
dispersion simulation by mathematical modeling on regional to larger
scales; indoor measurements where people are act ing under noise
restrict ion such as residences. school and hospitals. To meet these
demands environmental passive samplers for atmospheric gaseous
pollutants have been developed and applied for di ff e re nt s it uat io ns a nd
e nv ironm e nt s o f B ra z ilt Pa s s ive sa mple rs we re de v e lope d based
on mo lecular diffusion of gas through a static ;aye: of air with fixed
filters impregnated with a specific solution for 50 2, NO2. 03 arid 1-3,S)and
used in the(following situations: in remote forest area. urban areas wirli)
different characteristics - near the sea, will clean ocean air masses
coming in and in areas under direct industrial
crinuence.
t y p e s

p a s T i v e
o ;

s .

a r e a s - 7 1 Z '

using ifferenr periods: accuracy of measurements, based cn standard

d fiavo 1. were within the r e c o m m e n d e d l i m i t b o f 2 5 % f o r
t h i s t y p e o f d e v i c e a n d p r e c i s i o n b e l o w t h e maximum of
20% cited in the literature, with variation of 2.0 to 16% in the case of these
work. The passive devices were able of measuring concentrations very
low as those found in the Amazon region (0.50 0.05 pg rn- SO, and
1.10 -p.07 pg m NO2) and higher concentrations in industrial areas
(2.0.0 13 pg
e 21.0 13 pg
NO2).
t) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved_

1. Introduction

Human
activities
have
contributed
effectively to the increasing emissions of
pollutants into the atmosphere at levels that
can promote change on a global scale, with
possible catastrophic consequences for the
humanity, for example, the depletion of the
stratospheric ozone and the increase of the
greenhouse effect.
Problems related to the deterioration of air
quality have also been seen on a regional scale as
a result of emissions of pollutants such as
nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds (including SO 2
and reduced sulfur compounds) and volatile
organic compounds that participate in various
chemical and physical transformations in the
atmosphere,
which
result
in
several
consequences, such as the formation of
tropospheric ozone, secondary particulate matter
and acid deposition. Furthermore, problems at the
local level as those related to odors have
Corresponding author.
E-Inaii address, vaniaroctkIlhabr (V.P. Cainposl.
0026-205X15 - see front :natter C. 2010
Elsevier S.J. All rights reserved. doi:
0.1016,1.microc2010.02D 15

also been frequently reported. For example,

the h2S has very unpleasant odor, which is
perceptible to the human sense at very low
concentrations, making bad smelling areas near
the emission sources.
For a more effective control of the pollution
and to assess the potential effects of the
atmospheric pollutants on human health and on
the environment, it is necessary to develop
alternative strategies for monitoring, that are
economically viable. easy to operate. which can
be used in different areas including remote areas.
and providing reliable information on of the
pollutant concentrations.
dj Active sampling techniques are usually a 'lie
where the air is sucket into the sampling
device with the aid the vacuum s. This
implies logistical difficulty. especially in remote
areas. since frequent airflow' calibrations and
electric power are required, where oil
generators should not be used due to pollutant
emission and common batteries are not able to
provide the required power.
Additionally, the equipments used are
generally expensive.
involve
complex
operations
and
require
constant
maintenance. Making it difficult to achieve
the non intermittent air monitoring