Short-chain amines are the most common amines in the atmosphere, which are emitted from various natural and anthropogenic sources. These compounds may cause health effects through inhalation and skin contact. Short-chain amines have been analyzed from food samples, air samples, and environmental aqueous and solid samples. A variety of analytical techniques have been used for the analysis of these amines. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is one of the most widely used techniques, with short analysis time, and high selectivity and sensitivity.
A sampling and analysis method was developed for the determination of dimethylamine from air samples. Sampling methods based on needle trap device and solid-phase microextraction were compared. Portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for sample analysis. The method with needle trap device and portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was selected for field measurements. The linear range of this method was 5 – 1000 ng, with correlation coefficient over 0.99. The detection limit was 3.49 ng. In field measurements, the sum of dimethylamine and ethylamine was analyzed. The relative amount of dimethylamine and ethylamine was observed to fluctuate in positive correlation with air temperature and relative humidity and in negative correlation with ozone concentration. In addition, when the relative amount of dimethylamine and ethylamine was high, it correlated negatively with total aerosol concentration.
