Application of a Needle Trap Sampler Containing Hydroxyl Fullerene Nanoparticles for Benzene Sampling in Air

Abstract

Introduction: Evaluation of air pollutants using green microextraction methods that do not require solvents and allow for sampling and analysis in a single step has received attention. In this study, the needle trap microextraction method was developed and the hydroxyl fullerene adsorbent was used for benzene sampling in air. Material and Methods: Needle traps of identical length were filled with the selected adsorbent, and a standard chamber was used to generate specific benzene concentrations for sampling. Subsequently, the variables influencing the performance of the needle trap—specifically, sampling and desorption parameters—were optimized to achieve maximum efficiency using response surface methodology and Design Expert 11 software. Finally, the efficiency of the developed method was evaluated in a real-world environment and compared with the NIOSH 1501 method. Results: Sampling temperature and humidity had an inverse relationship with the peak response rate, such that the sampler performed better at low temperature and humidity. The adsorbent’s ability to retain the analyte, despite its high vapor pressure, was deemed satisfactory, with analyte loss after 5 days measured at 5%. The maximum desorption occurred at 275°C and 3 minutes. The instrumental and quantitative detection limits were calculated to be 0.011 µgL-1 and 0.029 µgL-1 of air, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) as an indicator of the repeatability of the method under study was also 5.38%. In a comparative study, the performance of the needle trap was evaluated to be better than the NIOSH method. Conclusion: The needle trap method and the hydroxyl fullerene nanostructure adsorbent have a good performance in sampling benzene in air and are recommended for occupational and environmental monitoring.

Keywords

• benzene
• needle trap
• fullerene hydroxyl
• air sampling