Abstract

Determination of carbonyl compounds emitted from car exhausts, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, acrolein, propionaldehyde and crotonaldehyde is vital in outside air of every highly populated city-center including Prague. The sampling site was a highly car frequented and densely populated Prague street. Two types of vehicles from the second largest car manufacturer (Hyundai Motor Company) were selected for the assessment of carbonyl compounds emission. Some of the emitted components from fuel combustion are classified as carcinogenic and/or mutagenic to humans in addition to having other harmful environmental effects. Carbonyl compounds were sampled using 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine sorption tubes. For the quantitative determination of the aforementioned compounds HPLC separation and ultraviolet detection as recommended in method TO 11A was applied. For comparative purposes, HPLC-MS separation and detection was applied as well. Gaseous standards of carbonyl compounds are necessary for the assessment of the accuracy of each method. Production of carbonyl compounds gaseous standards and tests regarding their stability were performed.

Keywords: Carbonyl compounds; Emission; 2-4 Dinitrophenylhydrazine; Exhaust; Air