Determination of Nitro-Polynuclear Aromatics in Ambient Aerosol Samples

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Abstract
A method has been developed for determining polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their nitro-derivatives (nitro-PAHs) at nanogram to picogram levels in ambient aerosol samples using derivatization–capillary gas chromatography (CGC) with electron capture detection (ECD). Analysis of nitro-PAHs is achieved by direct extraction of ambient particulate samples into cyclohexane followed by CGC-ECD determination. PAHs may be similarly analyzed following conversion into one or more nitro-derivatives in aqueous acidic nitrate solutions under conditions simulating aerosol droplet conditions. Nitro-derivatives may be prepared from PAH solutions or by mixing dried PAH extracts on filters with nitric acid solution. Degradation of benzo(a)pyrene is reduced and more nitro-PAH formed if the sample is derivatized on particulate-laden filters vis-a-vis clean filters, whereas the reserve occurs for pyrene—more nitropyrene formed on clean filters. Results suggest strongly that nitro-derivatization of adsorbed PAHs during atmospheric transport is feasible. Analyses of ambient aerosol samples from urban and rural areas to determine levels of nitro-PAHs and their parent compounds have been conducted.

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