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Passive sampling
Definition
Passive air sampling is a method primarily used to sample for gases and vapors. In this case, passive air sampling is more accurately termed “diffusive sampling” because it relies on the natural process of diffusion. This method may be deemed “passive” because, unlike active sampling, it does not involve pumping air to collect it.
Definition and Description
Passive air sampling is a method for collecting airborne pollutants or contaminants without the need for an active pumping or suction system. In this approach, specially designed samplers or passive sampling devices are exposed to the ambient air, allowing pollutants to be naturally adsorbed, absorbed, or collected on or within the sampler over a specified period. Passive samplers typically rely on diffusion or other natural processes to facilitate the movement of air and the diffusion of target compounds into the sampler. The advantage of passive air sampling is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it useful for monitoring pollutants in various environmental and industrial settings. After a predetermined exposure period, the passive samplers are retrieved, and the collected substances are typically extracted and analyzed to determine pollutant concentrations. This method is valuable for assessing long-term or cumulative exposure to air pollutants and can be used for various applications, including tracking trends in air quality and studying the distribution of pollutants over time.
