Effectiveness, suitability, and performance testing of the SKC Deployable Particulate Sampler (DPS) as compared to the currently deployed Airmetrics MiniVol portable air sampler.

Epidemiological studies have linked particulate matter (PM) exposure to morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory disease. In order to monitor and assess the potential PM health risk to deployed military personnel, the U.S. Army must field a portable sampler that can accurately sample particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 2.5 mm (PM2.5). In the study described in this article, the SKC Deployable Particulate Sampler (DPS) was compared to the currently deployed Airmetrics MiniVol portable air sampler in the hot, dry environment of Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, and the cold, wet environment of Fort Drum, New York. For all measurements taken and averaged, the DPS and the MiniVol did not differ significantly for mean concentration collected; however, the DPS collected 4.0 times more mass than the MiniVol (p < .05). The DPS was shown to be an improvement over the MiniVol when evaluated for measures of effectiveness, suitability, and performance.

A procedure for sampling and analysis of air for energetics and related compounds.

A procedure for the sampling and analysis of energetics and related compounds in the atmosphere is described. The basic procedure consists of the collection of air samples using sampling cartridges containing XAD-2 resin, extraction of the resin with isoamyl acetate, and an analysis of the extract using gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Modifications and additions to this procedure are discussed, such as the use of a prefilter before the resin sampler to collect particulates and the use of a mass selective detector to analyze for some propellant compounds of interest or for quantitative confirmation purposes. Two differing sizes of samplers are evaluated according to the air volumes required for collection. The procedure is tested through the analysis of spiked resin samples, which had air pulled through them for periods of time corresponding with the required sampling volumes. This procedure has application toward the measurement of energetic residues in atmospheres resulting from weapons testing and operations during training exercises involving munitions.