The Quantitative Determination of Benzo(a)pyrene in the Air of South African Cities

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The atmospheres of three South African cities have been investigated for the presence of polynuclear hydrocarbons. Standard techniques were improved and applied for separation of benzo(a)pyrene from other polynuclear hydrocarbons. Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry at the 402-mμ peak was employed for quantitative determination of benzo(a)pyrene. A correction factor for the interference of benzo (k) fluoranthene at the 402-mμ peak was determined experimentally and applied to the results. It is believed that this method is more reliable than those presently used. Some benzo(a)pyrene concentrations are presented.