HPLC-UV-FL PAH analysis in air particulates; Application to La Coruna (Spain) air samples

In this paper, a procedure for the determination of airborne polycyclic aro matic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is described. Airborne particulate samples were c ollected on glass fiber filters which were microwave assisted extracted usi ng hexane/acetone (1:1). The extractable organic matter was submitted to se veral steps of clean-up procedure by solid phase extraction. The PAI-I frac tion was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviole t (UV) at two fixed wavelengths (254 and 300 nm) and wavelength programable fluorescence (FL) detection. Analytical method detection limits were in th e range from 0.30 to 9.5 pg/m(3) with ultraviolet detection (lambda=254 nm) and from 0.035 to 0.86 pg/m(3) with fluorescence detection. Also, the effe ct of the temperature on the retention of the PAHs is described.