Ambient Measurements of Amines by PTR-QiTOF: Instrument Performance Assessment and Results from Field Measurements in the Vicinity of TCM, Mongstad

Abstract

A PTR-QiTOF instrument was deployed in the field in the vicinity of the CO2 Technology Center Mongstad (TCM) for measuring amines in ambient air. The observed single-to-double-digit pptv levels of dimethylamine (DMA) and trimethylamine (TMA) are comparable to natural background values reported in the literature for these species. No indication was found that these small alkylamines stem from industrial activities at Mongstad. Monoethanolamine (MEA) was observed at single-digit pptv levels, but further analytical work is needed to validate measurements at such low concentrations. No indication was found that small enhancements in ambient MEA levels were caused by emissions from TCM. No other industrial amines (2-amino-2-methylpropanol, diethylamine and piperazine) were detected in ambient air. According to the current state of knowledge, the observed levels of amines pose no harm to human health or the environment.