Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a coal tar standard reference material--SRM 1597a updated

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Standard Reference Materials

Background:

• Coal tar is a complex mixture containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs).
• Accurate quantification of PAHs and PASHs is crucial for environmental monitoring and risk assessment.
• Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) are essential for validating analytical methods and ensuring data quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reissue and enhance the characterization of the coal tar standard, SRM 1597.
• To provide certified and reference concentrations for a comprehensive suite of PAHs and PASHs, including methyl-substituted compounds.
• To establish SRM 1597a as the most extensively characterized SRM for PAHs and PASHs.

Main Methods:

• Reanalysis of the coal tar material using advanced analytical techniques.
• Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) employing four different stationary phases.
• Reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) for separation and quantification.

Main Results:

• SRM 1597a now includes 34 certified, 46 reference, and 12 information concentrations (as mass fractions).
• Concentrations cover a wide range of PAHs and PASHs, including methyl-substituted variants.
• The reanalysis confirmed and expanded the characterization of the complex mixture.

Conclusions:

• SRM 1597a offers an unparalleled level of characterization for PAHs and PASHs in a coal tar matrix.
• This enhanced standard will improve the accuracy and reliability of PAH and PASH measurements.
• SRM 1597a is a vital tool for researchers and analysts in environmental and chemical fields.