Application of gas chromatography combined with enrichment of samples on activated carbon to determine low concentrations of organic compounds in the air. Part II. Butanol and butyl acetate.

The gas chromatography with initial enrichment of the samples on activated carbon was employed to determine low concentrations of butanol and butyl acetate mixture in the air with different humidity content. In the range of concentrations examined (20-30 MAC for the atmospheric air) no apparent influence of moisture content in the air on the "breakthrough" of sorbent layer was stated. Moreover, butanol desorption efficiency decreased simultaneously with the increase of quantity of humidity adsorbed on the activated carbon. The analytic technique discussed should not be employed in determination of butanol low concentrations in the air with relative humidity exceeding 50%, and, in case this is of necessity, when the desorption coefficient is estimated, the amount of water adsorbed on the activated carbon during sampling should be regarded.