Abstract
The aims of this thesis were to set up the automated gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for monitoring volatile organic compounds from different air pollutant sources and assess the accuracy, practicability, and widespread of this method in various environments. This method included two analytical systems, which were Canister-Automated GC/MS System using canisters for air sample collection and In-situ Continuously Measuring GC/MS System, respectively.The purpose of the designed Canister-Automated GC/MS System was to analyze simultaneously and precisely widespread species (C2-C10 HCs, CFCs, compounds shown in method TO-14A and TO-15). Because of its highly automated, the system designed has better data quality, manpower saving, and analytical efficiency than other methods (TO-14A, TO-15, NIEA A715.11B). The precision of this system for most target compounds were in 3%,and the method detection limits (MDLs) were in the range of 0.1 ppbv to 1 ppbv. The system has been practically applied to demonstrate the spatial distribution of pollutant concentrations in urban, industrial area, electronics industrial park, and unclear plants. Acquired data with the combination of local meteorological information were discussed further to establish fingerprints of pollutant sources, assessments of the quality of air, and applications of exclusive indicator, e.g., implications of MTBE as an useful indicator for automobile exhaust et al.In-situ Measuring GC/MS System was designed to obtain prompt information for concentrations of various pollutants. With the combination of the Auto FTP and Virtual Network Computing system, measuring data could be automatically transferred to our laboratory for analysis. In addition, in-situ on-site monitoring of toxic organic compounds could be performed in our laboratory and provide continuous and prompt information.According to the characteristics of the two systems, Canister-Automated GC/MS System was capable of providing spatial distribution of pollutant concentrations, and In-situ Measuring GC/MS System providing prompt temporal variation of pollutant concentrations. The thesis expects to enhance the practicability and widespread of the analytical method in air pollutant measurements, and to provide information for developing the air pollution control policies and regulations.