Field sampling of trace levels of hydrogen sulfide with the use of solid adsorbent preconcentration

The trapping efficiency of 14 solid adsorbent tubes for sampling trace level of hydrogen sulfide was quantified. A thermal desorption-gas chromatographic analytical method was developed for the separation and accurate quantitative analysis of hydrogen sulfide collected simultaneously with other reduced volatile sulfur gases. Results demonstrate that silica gel is the best solid adsorbent material for trapping hydrogen sulfide if the sweep gas is dry (or if similar sampling conditions exist). Moderate recovery values were obtained with the use of molecular sieve-type solid adsorbent tubes. The best solid adsorbent material for trapping hydrogen sulfide during normal field sampling conditions when the sampled atmosphere contains moisture is silica gel in conjunction with a calcium chloride drying tube. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 1:145–149, 1997