Advanced Analytical Methods for Airborne Contaminant Characterisation
At Leeder Analytical, our NATA-accredited laboratory provides specialised capabilities in the analysis of ambient, industrial, and indoor air. We support complex air monitoring programs through validated analytical methods, ultra-trace detection instrumentation, and expert interpretation of results.
Our capabilities span routine ambient air assessments, occupational exposure studies, and emissions characterisation for environmental or workplace applications.
*For commercial testing, regulatory submissions, or ongoing monitoring services, please refer to our Air Quality Testing services.
Analytical Capabilities in Air Monitoring
Our laboratory is equipped to analyse a wide range of airborne contaminants using advanced analytical platforms and flexible sampling compatibility, including:
- Volatile and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs/SVOCs)
- Air toxics and hazardous atmospheric pollutants
- Particulate-bound organics
- Odorous compounds and chemical fingerprints
Key instrumentation includes TD-GC-MS, GCxGC-TOF, FTIR, and FID systems, with detection limits reaching ppt–ppb levels depending on analyte and matrix.
Applications of Our Air Analysis Methods
| Ambient Air and Emissions Services | |
|---|---|
| Ambient Air Monitoring | Characterisation of atmospheric pollutants under routine or long-term monitoring programs
• Urban and regional air quality studies |
| Industrial Emissions Characterisation | Laboratory-based analysis of stack, process, and fugitive emissions
• Source profiling from industrial discharge points |
| Occupational Exposure & Workplace Air | Support for industrial hygiene and health & safety assessments
• Analysis of personal exposure monitoring samples |
| Emergency & Incident Response | Rapid turnaround and advanced analysis for environmental investigations
• Post-incident airborne contaminant characterisation |
Sampling Compatibility
We support a broad array of sample media and air collection formats, including:
- Sorbent Tubes (active and passive sampling)
- Canisters and gas bags for whole air collection
- Thermal desorption tubes for VOC analysis
- Filter media for particle-bound organic compounds
- Custom sampling devices for project-specific applications
Our lab can advise on sampling setup, storage, and transport conditions based on target compounds and environmental context.
Instrumentation Overview
| Platform | Use Case | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Markes TD-GC-MS | VOC analysis, air toxics, odour studies | Direct desorption from sample tubes, ppt detection, solvent-free workflow |
| GCxGC-TOF | Complex atmospheric mixtures | Enhanced peak resolution, detailed compound fingerprinting |
| FTIR / FID | Stack emissions and combustion products | Real-time and cumulative concentration analysis |
| Triple Quadrupole GC-MS | Targeted air toxics monitoring | MRM mode, regulatory compliance support, ultra-trace quantification |
Method Development and Quality Assurance
All air analysis methods are developed under our NATA-accredited QA framework and include:
- Multi-point calibration and internal standard correction
- Matrix-specific validation for complex samples
- System suitability testing and batch controls
- Library-matched spectral interpretation (NIST, Wiley, in-house)
- Reporting aligned with regulatory requirements
Related Analytical Capabilities
Air monitoring methods are often combined with or supported by:
- VOC and SVOC Analysis
- Odour and Source Attribution Studies
- Surfactant and Chemical Residue Analysis
- Biological Sample Analysis for Exposure Biomarkers
For integrated support, explore our full range of analytical capabilities.
When to Use Leeder Analytical’s Air Monitoring Capabilities
- Supporting environmental consultants conducting baseline or compliance studies
- Providing data for EPA submissions or regulatory investigations
- Evaluating workplace exposure risks and indoor air quality
- Characterising emissions from industrial processes or building materials
- Responding to air quality complaints, odour issues, or incident-driven testing
Deliverables
All projects include:
- Detailed analytical reports
- Methodology and detection limit documentation
- Interpretation guidance (if required)
- QA/QC documentation
- Support for regulatory integration (on request)
Want to discuss a project or method suitability?
Our team can advise on detection limits, sampling compatibility, and regulatory fit.
Phone: +613 9481 4167
