APPLICATION OF PLANAR CHROMATOGRAPHY TO THE ANALYSIS OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES IN ENVIRONMENTAL-SAMPLES

The main aspects of using planar chromatography to isolate and identif y polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives in env ironmental samples are described. Several carbonyl, nitro polycyclic a romatic compounds, azaarenes, and polar PAHs, which are very dangerous for human health, were identified. These results have been confirmed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Progress in the application of these techniques using different stationary and mobile phases, as well as in the modernization of chromatographic chambers, a re presented. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.