Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the n-alkanes C9-C17 and pristane in clean air masses

An analytical method was developed for measuring n-alkanes (C9 to C17) and other hydrocarbons in tropospheric air with mixing ratios of a few ppt (10−12) and higher. The hydrocarbons are collected in situ in absorption tubes, carefully protected against contamination and analysed later in the laboratory by gas chromatography. First data are reported for Atlantic air masses at the west coast of Ireland.