Determination of low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids in the ambient air and vehicle emissions: a review.

This review surveys analysis of airborne and vehicle emitted low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids. Attention is paid to providing a comprehensive coverage of collection techniques, sample handling, storage, extraction methods followed by a discussion of recent developments in carboxylic acid analysis using chromatographic (gas and ion chromatography) and electrophoretic (capillary electrophoresis) techniques. The occurrence and sources of carboxylic acids in the ambient air are also summarized.