Development of a diffusive sampler for the measurement of atmospheric volatile organic compounds and use of the sampler

In this thesis, a diffusive sampler for the sampling of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are among the important atmospheric pollutants has been developed and validation studies for the sampler have been carried out in order to test its accuracy and reliability. Firstly, the best diffusive sampler modification was determined considering factors such as size, sampling medium, analytical procedure, etc. and then field and laboratory (exposure chamber) validation studies for the sampler of interest were carried out. The validation studies were performed according to the European Standards (EN 13528?1 and EN 13528?2) prepared for the testing of diffusive sampler performance. The results of the validation studies (accuracy, precision, determination of storage period before and after the sampling, recovery, blank values, uptake rate, the effect of environmental factors, etc.) were in accordance with the related standards and showed that the desired results were achieved. After validation studies were completed, VOC diffusive sampler was used in some sampling studies carried out in different environments (tunnel, petrol station, a university department where oil paint and stained glass studies are performed). The developed diffusive sampler was registered as Utility Model by Turkish Patent Institute. It is expected that the diffusive sampler developed in this thesis is going to have an important role in the widespread monitoring of VOCs since it is cheap and the use of the sampler is practical and also it is producible within the country.