Investigations into a novel method for atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon monitoring

Forbes, Patricia B.C.; Rohwer, Egmont R.

Investigations into a novel method for atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon monitoring

2009

Forbes, Patricia B.C. | Rohwer, Egmont R.

A novel analytical method for atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was developed based on laser induced fluorescence (LIF) of samples on quartz multi-channel polydimethylsiloxane traps. A tunable dye laser with a frequency doubling crystal provided the excitation radiation, and a double monochromator with a photomultiplier tube detected emitted fluorescence. The method allowed for the rapid (<5 min), cost effective analysis of samples. Those yielding interesting results could be further analysed by direct thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS, with limits of detection of 0.3 ng m⁻³), as photodegradation was minimal (<10% over 5 min irradiation). Small amounts of naphthalene photodegradation products identified by TD-GC-MS after >15 min irradiation, included phenol, benzyl alcohol and phthalic anhydride. Without any signal optimization, a LIF detection limit of 1 μg m⁻³ was established for naphthalene using a diffusion tube (diffusion rate of 2 ng s⁻¹) and 292 nm excitation. A novel method for rapid analysis of atmospheric PAHs by laser induced fluorescence allows for more detailed trend determinations.

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