Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for the Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitropolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil and Diesel Particulate Matter PDF Download

Author: Mario J. Mena (Jr)
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780438071346
Category : Chemistry, Analytic
Languages : en
Pages : 65

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Book Description
Particular matter (PM, e.g. soot, dust etc.) of a certain size is known to be hazardous to human health. These particles are small enough to travel through our respiratory system and induce respiratory illness by introducing foreign bodies and toxic chemicals to our systems. For instance, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), is an example of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) frequently found in or on PM known to have carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are by-products of incomplete combustion such as vehicle emissions. Thus, when PM are airborne, they can interact with semi-volatile molecules such as PAH. In turn, the newly coupled system may penetrate our respiratory system. In addition to PAH, nitro polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs, i.e. 1-nitro-pyrene) are being recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 2a compound (probably carcinogenic to humans). This study aims to identify chemical signatures of forest fire and automobile emissions using ratios of PAH and its oxidants, including nitro-PAH, in a variety of media (e.g. soil, soot, PM). Nitro-PAH (NPAHs) are usually found in/on course/fine particular matter at concentrations on the order of 2ng/mL to 200ng/mL (Heidelore et al. 1991, Eiguren-Fernandez et al 2004). Therefore, a very sensitive technique is needed to detect NPAHs in various matrices representative of those found in the environment. This study will use the following PAH ratios to differentiate sources of incomplete combustion: B[a]P to (B[a]P+chrysene; pyrene to B[a]P; fluoranthrene to pyrene; and fluoranthrene to (fluoranthrene+pyrene). As for the NPAH:PAH ratios, the following will be used: 1-nitro-pyrene to pyrene; 6-nitro-chyresene to chrysene; and 6-nitro-benzo[a]pyrene to benzo[a]pyrene. Extractions of PAH will be performed using the accelerated solvent extraction technique. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy will be used to identify and quantify analytes. The results of this study may be used to inform citizens, city planners and lawmakers about the impacts of high-traffic events on human health.