Quantitative determination of airbone C1‐ and C2‐halocarbons by GC/ECD

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Abstract
The atmospheric levels of C1‐ and C2‐halocarbons are determined by trapping on an adsorbent, thermodesorption, cryofocussing, gas chromatographic separation on a thick‐film capillary, and electron‐capture detection. The various aspects relevant to reliability and accuracy are discussed, such as type of adsorbent, range of detector response, and levels of contaminants present in blanks. These in turn have implications for optimum sample size and amount of adsorbent. The adopted method is suitable for routine analysis of airborne halocarbons at variable locations. The air concentrations of C1‐ and C2‐halocarbons on the ground of mountain forests are similar to those in cities, a fact which supports the hypothesis that chlorocarbons are involved in the initiation of a phytotoxicological phenomenon commonly referred to as “forest decline”.