Determination of PAHs in dust from Shanghai by optimized SFE and GC/MS

EPA 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were extracted from dust by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Parameters (pressure, temperature and time) affecting the collection efficiencies of PAHs were assessed according to the extraction efficiency, and 30 MPa, 80 degrees C and 30 min dynamic extraction time were confirmed to be the best and simplest conditions of SFE to extract 16 priority PAHs from dust. The characterization of the extracts was carried out by gas chromatography with mass detector in selective ion mode (GC/MS/SIM). Ultrasonic extraction (USE) was used as a comparison with SFE. The results showed that the SFE method has a better efficiency than USE for the extraction of PAHs in dust. With the optimized conditions of SFE, the distribution of PAHs in dust samples in urban areas of Shanghai from Mar 10, 2005 to May 28, 2005 was investigated. The results demonstrated that traffic emission, especially from gasoline engines, was the main source of PAHs in dust of Shanghai.