Articles | Volume 10, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-291-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-291-2017
Research article
 | 
26 Jan 2017
Research article |  | 26 Jan 2017

An improved, automated whole air sampler and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis system for volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere

Brian M. Lerner, Jessica B. Gilman, Kenneth C. Aikin, Elliot L. Atlas, Paul D. Goldan, Martin Graus, Roger Hendershot, Gabriel A. Isaacman-VanWertz, Abigail Koss, William C. Kuster, Richard A. Lueb, Richard J. McLaughlin, Jeff Peischl, Donna Sueper, Thomas B. Ryerson, Travis W. Tokarek, Carsten Warneke, Bin Yuan, and Joost A. de Gouw

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Cited articles

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Apel, E. C., Hills, A. J., Lueb, R., Zindel, S., Eisele, S., and Riemer, D. D.: A fast-GC/MS system to measure C-2 to C-4 carbonyls and methanol aboard aircraft, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 108, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002jd003199, 2003b.
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Brown, R. H. and Purnell, C. J.: Collection and analysis of trace organic vapour pollutants in ambient atmospheres, J. Chromatogr. A, 178, 79–90, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9673(00)89698-3, 1979.
Colman, J. J., Swanson, A. L., Meinardi, S., Sive, B. C., Blake, D. R., and Rowland, F. S.: Description of the analysis of a wide range of volatile organic compounds in whole air samples collected during PEM-Tropics A and B, Anal. Chem., 73, 3723–3731, https://doi.org/10.1021/ac010027g, 2001.
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Short summary
Whole air sampling followed by analysis by gas chromatography is a common technique for characterization of trace volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. We describe a new automated gas chromatograph–mass spectrograph which uses a Stirling cooler for sample preconcentration at −165 °C without the need for a cryogen such as liquid nitrogen. We also discuss potential sources of artifacts from our electropolished stainless steel sampling system and present results from two field campaigns.