Evaluation of C18 adsorbent cartridges for sampling and derivatization of primary amines in air

Abstract The sampling efficiency of C18 solid-phase extraction cartridges was investigated for methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, butylamine and pentylamine, in air. Determination of these analytes was based on derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde–N-acetylcysteine (OPA–NAC) on the solid support and fluorescence detection at λexcitation=330 nm and λemission=440 nm of the eluted derivatives. The calibration model derived from aqueous standards was statistically comparable with the calibration model for air standards. Aqueous amines can be used as standards. The method was useful for calculating short-term exposure limits (STEL). A sampling time of 15 min at 30 ml min−1 was employed. Good…