Research results are described that address the sorption of several po
lyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on solid phase extraction membranes as
a function of concentration for a selected time period, followed by fr
ont-surface ultraviolet-visible fluorescence spectroscopy for detectio
n. Results indicate a linear response for a range of concentrations, w
hich suggests the potential for quantitative analysis of individual PA
Hs. Subsequent experiments to examine more complex PAH mixtures, ie pe
troleum oils, as detected by fluorescence emission following sorption
on the membranes and to analyze simple PAH mixtures by synchronous flu
orescence indicated greater difficulty in analysis for mixtures as com
pared to analysis for individual PAHs. Possible strategies are present
ed for improving the usefulness of front surface luminescence as an an
alytical technique for PAHs sorbed on solid phase extraction membranes
and related materials that have favorable sorption properties for PAH
s. The combined technique of solid phase extraction and solid state lu
minescence continues to show merit for field and laboratory screening
methods if certain problems can be solved.