Preconcentration of Atmospheric Terpenes on Solid Sorbents

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Abstract
Hydrocarbons emitted by vegetation, such as isoprene and monoterpenes, seem to play an important role in atmospheric chemistry. A better estimation of their biogeochemical cycle requires that the levels be testable at any time. The extremely low concentration of these chemicals in the atmosphere necessitates a preconcentration step at the time of smpling. This enrichment was done on 13 solid adsorbents (Tenax GC and TA, Chromosorb 101, 103, 105 and 107, Porapak R and Q, XAD-2, 4 and 7, Ambersorb-XE-340 and Carbosphere). This study allowed us to determine the breakthrough volumes of isoprene and the principal monoterpenes on these adsorbents. Of the adsorbents tested, Tenax GC and TA were those the best adapted to the desorption of compounds as reactive as the terpenes.