Determining the Sampling Rates for a New Nylon Passive Sampler to Estimate the Atmospheric Concentrations of Nitric Acid and Perfluoroalkyl Acids Pollutants

Atmospheric pollutants such as gaseous nitric acid (HNO3) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are emitted or formed in the atmosphere as a result of anthropogenic activities. These acids could pose risks to organisms and the environment. The PFAAs are organofluorine chemicals that have been producing scientific and regulatory interest because of their persistence in the environment, toxicity, and bioaccumulation potential. They are detected in water, the atmosphere, human organs, and wildlife. There are scarce atmospheric measurements of PFAAs because of their low atmospheric concentrations. Nylon passive samplers are selective for sampling of atmospheric acids. They are well-validated for HNO3 but have never been used to collect PFAAs. The Nylasorb nylon filter, previously validated for HNO3 was discontinued and a new nylon filter was purchased from a different manufacturer. The new nylon filter has been characterized in this work for the monitoring of HNO3 and determination of PFAAs in the atmosphere.