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Modified sampling and analysis method for large volatility range airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
1Cracow University of Technology, Cracow, Poland.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|October 1, 1996
Summary
A new method accurately measures polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air, even volatile ones. Traffic exhaust is identified as the primary source of PAHs in background air.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant air pollutants.
- Accurate measurement of a wide range of PAHs is crucial for environmental monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel sampling method for measuring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient air.
- To cover a broad volatility range of PAHs, including naphthalenes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized gas chromatography isotope dilution mass spectrometry for precise PAH quantification.
- Employed a three-stage sampler to capture particle-bound and gaseous PAHs (low and high volatility).
- Processed large air volumes (approx. 500 m(3)) at a sampling rate of approx. 18 m(3)/h.
Main Results:
- Achieved high average recoveries of sampling spikes (approx. 90%).
- Established a low detection limit of approx. 5 pg/m(3) for high boiling point PAHs.
- Observed consistent PAH profiles in background air samples from The Netherlands.
Conclusions:
- The developed method reliably quantifies a wide spectrum of PAHs in ambient air.
- Traffic exhausts were identified as the predominant source of PAHs in the study area.
- The findings contribute to understanding PAH pollution sources and environmental impact.