A Passive Sampling Study of Small-Scale Variations in Ambient Acetaldehyde and Formaldehyde Concentrations

Radiello passive diffusive aldehyde samplers were used to measure ambient formaldehyde and acetaldehyde levels, approximately every 0.7 km in a 10 km2 sampling area in Hillsborough County, Florida from January 21 to 28, 2010. Samples were analyzed for aldehyde-DNPH derivatives via high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Concentrations were compared with values at a regulatory fixed-site monitor. Distribution statistics, concentration ratios, and spatial contours were calculated to investigate spatial variability. Mean aldehyde concentrations were 2.4 and 1.1 μg/m3 for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, respectively. Observed spatial concentration patterns were similar for both aldehydes and suggest the influence of nearby roadway emissions. Overall, the spatial variation was small, with coefficients of variation of 13% and 22%, respectively. Results here provide methods and data for understanding exposures to aldehydes at high spatial resolution.