Review of the Application of Diffusive Samplers for the Measurement of Nitrogen Dioxide in Ambient Air in the European Union

A number of diffusive samplers that are used for longer-term monitoring of nitrogen dioxide in the European Union were subjected to a review of their use and performance characteristics. The information collected was used to evaluate the capacity of diffusive samplers for monitoring the European Union annual limit value of 40 µg.m-3 and to draft a proposal method for monitoring nitrogen dioxide in ambient air using diffusive samplers for later standardisation by the CEN Technical Committee 264 Air Quality Working Group 11 Diffusive Samplers.
A bibliographic review was carried out to determine the availability of validation data for these samplers, their capacity to meet the data quality objectives for indicative and/or fixed measurements of the European Directive, the possibility for users to analyse the samplers and their current use throughout the European Union for measuring ambient air quality.
Two tubes-type samplers and a radial sampler were found to be used throughout the European Union. Based on the findings of the review it was concluded only for tube-type samplers based on the application of triethanolamine as the sorbent sufficient information was available to underpin its potential for meeting European Union data quality objectives, at the least, for indicative measurements of nitrogen dioxide in ambient air.