Identificatin of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in diesel particulate emissions

Following collection of diesel particulate samples on high efficiency glass fibre papers, and Soxhlet extraction with cyclohexane, a two-stage clean-up involving DMF/H2O partition and silica gel thin-layer chromatography is required in order to simplify the extract. Individual compound identification can then be achieved by high resolution gas chromatography using WCOT quartz capillary columns with flame ionisation or computer-assisted electron impact mass spectrometry detection systems. The technique provides a relatively quick and simple enrichment step, whilst the high separating power of the capillary column is able to resolve the many chromatographically similar isomers and substituted PAH members that are present. Investigations indicate that presence of a vast range of PAH species, comprising both substituted and unsubstituted two- to seven-membered ring systems, many of which are known carcinogens and mutagens.