Compound specific radiocarbon analysis as a tool to quantitatively apportion modern and fossil sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental matrices
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst., MA (United States); and others
The quantitative apportionment of multiple sources of toxic compounds in natural systems has been of substantial interest in recent years. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which represent one of the largest classes of suspected chemical carcinogens/mutagens, are one such example. The biogeochemistry of PAHs in the environment is extremely complex as a result of the multitude of potential sources (both anthropogenic and natural), differing reactivities and solubilities, and transport and depositional processes that control their provenance. PAHs sources can be broadly divided into two categories: (a) {open_quotes}Pyrogenic{close_quotes} PAHs from high-temperature processes (i.e., incomplete combustion (pyrolysis) of organic materials); (b) PAHs from lower temperature processes (i.e. uncombusted petroleum contamination). Pyrogenic PAHs can be further separated into fossil fuel (coal and petroleum) combustion sources, and biomass combustion sources (charcoal burning; cigarette smoking, forest/grass fires, barbeques etc.). Although a variety of criteria may be used to distinguish petroleum from combustion sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in environmental samples, it is much more difficult to distinguish PAHs derived from modem (e.g. residential wood combustion) versus fossil fuel (e.g. coal combustion) pyrogenic sources. This paper describes results of isotope dating of a coal tar extract and and air particulate sample.
- OSTI ID:
- 437346
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960807--
- Journal Information:
- National Meeting - American Chemical Society, Division of Environmental Chemistry, Journal Name: National Meeting - American Chemical Society, Division of Environmental Chemistry Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 36; ISSN NMACDY; ISSN 0270-3009
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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