Standard method of test for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in air particulate matter

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975 · Annu. Book ASTM Stand.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7343409

Microgram quantities of various hydrocarbons/1000 m/sup 3/ of air were determined by a lengthy process involving air sampling, Sozhlet extraction, column chromatography, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The particulate matter from the air sample was collected on glass-fiber filters. Benzene extraction of the filters in a Sozhlet extractor yielded the benzene soluble fraction of the particulate matter that is normally referred to as the ''organic fraction.'' Column chromatographic analysis on alumina of this benzene fraction separated the fraction into 30 to 40 subfractions when increasing amounts of diethyl ether in pentane were used as diluents. Each subfraction was dried, dissolved in pentane, and analyzed spectrophotometrically for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon content. This procedure was effective for the separation of anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, chysene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(e)pyrene, perylene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, anthanthrene, and coronene. The overall precision of the results of the entire method was found to be +-15 to 20 percent; however, the precision of results on duplicate analyses of the same organic fraction was found to be +-10 percent. (BLM)

• OSTI ID: 7343409
• Journal Information: Annu. Book ASTM Stand.; (United States), Journal Name: Annu. Book ASTM Stand.; (United States) Vol. 26; ISSN ASTSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400104* -- Spectral Procedures-- (-1987)
500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR
AIR POLLUTION
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
EXTRACTION
FLUIDS
GASES
HYDROCARBONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLVENT EXTRACTION
SPECTROPHOTOMETRY