Improved analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in atmospheric particulate matter by HPLC-fluorescence.
An improved method is reported for determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in atmospheric particulate matter by HPLC-FLD. The sampling step (air volume collected during each sampling period varies in the range 10/13 m3) is carried out by means of a medium-flow pumping system (15 L min(-1)) on a glass fiber filter (47 mm diameter) placed as collecting substrate in the sampling-cassette. After sampling, the filter is extracted with 3 ml of acetonitrile in an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes. As for extraction of PAHs from loaded filters a new criterion here is proposed to evaluate the recovery efficiency of PAHs from the sample, instead of the usual spiking method of standard solution. The extract was then reduced to 100 microL and analysed by HPLC-FLD on line spectra system. The method is rapid (about one hour for extraction and analysis), reproducible and enables to measure with good accuracy the atmospheric concentration of benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), benzo(ghi)perylene (BghiP), carcinogenic compounds always present in the urban airborne particulate matter. So it is useful for routine pollution studies and suitable to substitute the official method used now. Monthly average air concentrations, for the four PAHs above mentioned, measured in Rome from July 2001 to June 2002, are reported.
Bacaloni
Alessandro
A
Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, P le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
Cafaro
Claudia
C
De Giorgi
Loretta
L
Ruocco
Roberta
R
Zoccolillo
Lelio
L
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005453:Fluorescence; D010316:Particle Size; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D012384:Rome; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000393:Air Pollutants; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons