Sampling of air streams and incorporation of samples in the Microtox(TM) toxicity testing system
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-1997
Abstract
A study was conducted to develop a rapid and reliable method for the collection and incorporation of biofiltration air samples containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the Microtox(TM) toxicity testing system. To date, no method exists for this type of assay. A constant stream of VOCs was generated by air stripping compounds from a complex mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs). Samples were collected on coconut charcoal ORBO (Supelco, Inc.) tubes and the VOCs extracted with methylene chloride. The compounds extracted were then solvent exchanged into dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) under gaseous nitrogen. The resulting DMSO extract was directly incorporated into the Microtox toxicity testing system. In order to determine the efficiency of the solvent exchange, the VOCs in the DMSO extract were then extracted into hexane and subsequently analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID). It was determined that all but the most volatile VOCs could be effectively transferred from the ORBO tubes to DMSO for Microtox testing. Potential trace amounts of residual methylene chloride in the DMSO extracts showed no adverse effects in the Microtox system when compared to control samples.
Publication Title
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Recommended Citation
Kleinheinz, G.,
&
St. John, W.
(1997).
Sampling of air streams and incorporation of samples in the Microtox(TM) toxicity testing system.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry,
16(10), 2064-2066.
http://doi.org/10.1897/1551-5028(1997)016<2064:SCSOAS>2.3.CO;2
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/13733