SELECTIVE CLEANUP FOR POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC-COMPOUNDS IN AIRBORNE PARTICLES AND SOIL

Urban air particulate matter, internal combustion engine particulate e missions, gas turbine particulate emissions and soil were analysed for polynuclear aromatic compounds. Polynuclear aromatic compounds were i solated by adsorption chromatography on XAD-2. Polynuclear aromatic hy drocarbons (PAHs), polynuclear aromatic ketones and nitro-PAHs were ob tained together in the aromatic fraction, while interfering compounds were absent. Glass capillary gas chromatography with the stationary ph ases OV-1, SE-54, Dexsil 300 and OV-25 was performed, and benzoa!pyre ne, 7-H-benzde!anthracene-7-one and related compounds were identified . Differences between PAH profiles are discussed. It is concluded that cyclopentacd!pyrene and benzoghi!fluoranthene are rapidly decompose d in the atmosphere. 7-H-Benzde!anthracene-7-one and 6-H-benzocd!pyr ene-6-one are degraded during atmospheric exposure at a similar rate t o benzoa!pyrene, and nitro-derivatives are not formed in substantial amounts.