Sampling for Offline Analysis

The detailed chemical characterization of gas and particle phase species is essential for interpreting the results of atmospheric simulation chamber experiments. Although the application of online techniques has advanced significantly over the last two decades, offline analytical methods such as GC–MS and LC–MS are still frequently used. In this chapter, the approaches commonly employed for gas and particle sampling prior to subsequent offline analysis are described in detail. Methods involving the use of cartridges, canisters, bags and sorbent tubes for gas sampling are described with the support of examples reported in the literature. Technical descriptions related to the application of different types of filters, inertial classifiers and particle-into-liquid samplers for the collection of particles are also provided.