Determination of the extraction efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from airborne particulate matter

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are common environmental pollutants that reach atmosphere in the form of aerosol adsorbed on soot, ash and dust. Having in mind its carcinogenic and mutagenic effects most countries have regulations concerning their estimation in environmental samples. In this work we have investigated extraction efficiency of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from flying particles collected on glass fiber filters. Efficiency of extraction of different duration in Soxhlet apparatus, ultrasonic bath and boiling toluene under reflux were compared. It has been established that compounds having two or three condensed rings are lost during evaporation of toluene that was used as a solvent. For compounds having five or more condensed rings extraction in ultrasonic bath and boiling toluene using magnetic stirrer and reflux are the most efficient.