Air Pollutants

The quantitative analysis of air pollutants can be carried out using various techniques depending on
the pollutant of interest.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2):

Sulphur dioxide can be quantitatively analyzed by the following methods:

-The West-Gaeke method, which involves the reaction of SO2 with hydrogen peroxide and a
chromogen such as pararosaniline in an acidic medium to form a coloured compound that can be
measured spectrophotometrically. (580nm)

-Estimation of SO2 using titration method:

The titration method for the estimation of SO 2 in air involves the reaction of SO 2 with a solution of
hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate in an acidic medium. The basic steps involved in
this method are as follows:

1. A gas sample is drawn into a solution of hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, and
sulfuric acid in a titration flask.
2. The SO2 in the gas sample reacts with the hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate
to form sulfuric acid and manganese sulfate:
SO2 + H2O2 + 2KMnO4 → H2SO4 + 2MnSO4 + 2KOH + 3O2
3. The excess potassium permanganate in the solution is titrated with a standard solution of
sodium oxalate using ferroin as an indicator.

The concentration of SO2 in the gas sample is calculated from the amount of potassium
permanganate consumed in the reaction.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2):

Nitrogen dioxide can be quantitatively analyzed by the following methods:

-The sulfanilamide method, which involves the reaction of NO 2 with sulfanilamide and N-(1-
naphthyl) ethylenediamine in an acidic medium to form a colored compound that can be measured
spectrophotometrically. (543nm)

-The chemiluminescence method, which involves the reaction of NO 2 with ozone to produce excited-
state NO3, which emits light (400-450 nm) that can be measured using a photomultiplier tube.

Procedure

1. A gas sample is drawn into a reaction chamber where it is mixed with excess ozone.
2. The NO2 in the gas sample reacts with the ozone to form excited nitrogen dioxide molecules
(NO2*) that emit light as they return to their ground state.
3. The light emitted by the excited nitrogen dioxide molecules is measured using a
photomultiplier tube, and the intensity of the light is proportional to the concentration of
NO2 in the gas sample.
4. A calibration curve is prepared using known concentrations of NO 2 to determine the
concentration of NO2 in the gas sample.

Ozone (O3):

Ozone can be quantitatively analyzed by the following methods:

-The ultraviolet absorption method, which involves the measurement of the absorption of
ultraviolet radiation by ozone at a specific wavelength.

Procedure

1. A gas sample is drawn into a reaction chamber where it is exposed to a UV light source.
2. The ozone in the gas sample absorbs the UV light (max absorption at around 253nm, Hartley
band), and the amount of light absorbed is proportional to the concentration of ozone in the
gas sample.
3. The intensity of the UV light before and after exposure to the gas sample is measured using a
photometer, and the difference in intensity is used to calculate the concentration of ozone in
the gas sample.

-The iodometric method, which involves the titration of ozone with a standard solution of sodium
thiosulfate in the presence of potassium iodide.

Procedure

1. A gas sample is drawn into a reaction chamber where it is mixed with a solution of potassium
iodide in an acidic medium.
2. The ozone in the gas sample reacts with the iodide ions to form iodine.
3. The iodine formed is titrated with a standard solution of sodium thiosulfate to determine the
concentration of ozone in the gas sample.

Ammonia (NH3):

Ammonia can be quantitatively analyzed by the following methods:

The Nessler method, which involves the reaction of NH 3 with mercuric chloride and potassium iodide
in an alkaline medium to form a yellow-brown coloured compound that can be measured
spectrophotometrically (420nm).

The indophenol method, which involves the reaction of NH 3 with sodium nitroprusside and N-(1-
naphthyl) ethylenediamine in an alkaline medium to form a blue-coloured compound that can be
measured spectrophotometrically(630nm).

Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM):

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) refers to the solid and liquid particles that are present in the air
and can be suspended for extended periods. These particles are of concern because they can impact
human health, reduce visibility, and cause damage to the environment.

Based on the size it can be divided into;

Category Aerodynamic Effects Properties

Diameter

Coarse 2.5 - 10 µm Irritation of eyes, Generated from natural sources (e.g. soil,
nose, and throat; road dust, sea salt), relatively heavy and
aggravation of settle quickly, visible to the naked eye
 asthma and allergies

Fine 0.1 - 2.5 µm Respiratory and Generated from both natural and
cardiovascular anthropogenic sources (e.g. combustion
effects, lung cancer, of fossil fuels, power generation,
premature death industrial processes), can be inhaled
deeply into the lungs, can stay suspended
in the air for days or weeks, not visible to
the naked eye

Ultrafine Less than Translocation to the Generated from combustion processes,

0.1 µm brain, systemic traffic emissions, and other
inflammation, anthropogenic sources, can penetrate
oxidative stress, deeply into the lungs and enter the
DNA damage bloodstream, can be carried long
distances by air currents, can remain
suspended for days or weeks, not visible
to the naked eye

Suspended particulate matter can be quantitatively analyzed by the following methods:

Gravimetric method: The gravimetric method is the most accurate and widely used method for
estimating SPM concentration in the air. In this method, a known volume of air is passed through a
filter paper, and the particulate matter is collected on the filter. The filter paper is then weighed
before and after sampling, and the difference in weight represents the mass of the particulate matter
collected. The SPM concentration is calculated by dividing the mass of particulate matter by the
volume of air sampled. This method provides accurate and reliable results but requires specialized
equipment and trained personnel.

Beta attenuation method: The beta attenuation method is a non-destructive and real-time method
for estimating the concentration of SPM in the air. In this method, a beta radiation source is used to
pass a beam of radiation through a sample of air. The attenuation of the beta radiation by the SPM
particles is measured by a detector, and the SPM concentration is calculated based on the
attenuation of the beta radiation. This method provides continuous and real-time measurements of
SPM concentration but requires calibration and maintenance of the equipment.

Light scattering method: The light scattering method is based on the principle that the intensity of
light scattered by the particulate matter is proportional to the concentration of SPM in the air. In this
method, a beam of light is passed through a sample of air, and the scattered light is measured by a
detector. The SPM concentration is calculated based on the intensity of scattered light. This method
provides real-time and continuous measurements of SPM concentration but is affected by the size
and shape of the particulate matter and the wavelength of the light used.

Microscopic method: The microscopic method is used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of
SPM in the air. In this method, a sample of air is collected on a microscope slide, and the particulate
matter is analyzed under a microscope. The size, shape, and composition of the particulate matter
can be determined by this method. The SPM concentration can be estimated by counting the
number of particles in the sample and multiplying it by the volume of air sampled. This method
provides information on the physical and chemical properties of the particulate matter but requires
trained personnel and specialized equipment.

X-ray fluorescence method: The X-ray fluorescence method is used for the qualitative and
quantitative analysis of the elemental composition of SPM in the air. In this method, a sample of air is
collected on a filter paper, and the filter paper is analyzed using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer.
The elemental composition of the particulate matter can be determined by this method. The SPM
concentration can be estimated by dividing the mass of the particulate matter by the volume of air
sampled. This method provides information on the chemical composition of the particulate matter
but requires specialized equipment.

It's important to note that the quantitative analysis of air pollutants requires specialized equipment,
reagents, and trained personnel. The analysis should be carried out according to established
protocols and quality assurance procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results.