Development and validation of a nitrogen dioxide passive sampler

Nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) is one of the main indicators of traffic-related air pollution in urban areas. Active sampling methods (common methods) are expensive and need advanced devices. While Passive sampling is a simple and low-cost method for measuring air pollutants, including NO(2). Therefore in this study, we developed a passive sampler to measure ambient NO(2) and validation its performance by comparing it with active sampling methods. Ambient NO(2) was measured for 24 h by both active and passive sampling methods in the same locations (2 m height above grand level and 15 m distance from air pollution sources). Sampling of NO(2) was repeated for 18 days to compare ambient NO(2) concentrations measured by active and passive methods and validation our developed passive samplers. • To develop passive samplers we used three stainless steel filters impregnated with a combination of triethanolamine and acetone (25:25 mL) in each tube. • Active NO(2) sampling was conducted using the modified Satlzman method (standard method). • There was a strong correlation between NO(2) concentration obtained from active and passive sampling methods (r = 0.84).