Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extracted from air particulate matter using a temperature programmable injector coupled to GC-C-IRMS.

Compound specific isotopic analysis (CSIA) can provide information about the origin of analysed compounds - in this case, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In the study, PAHs were extracted from three dust samples: winter and summer filter dust and tunnel dust. The measurement was performed using the method validated in our laboratory using pure, solid compounds and EPA 610 reference assortment.

Use of a temperature-programmable injector coupled to gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry for compound-specific carbon isotopic analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Compound-specific isotopic analysis (CSIA) can provide information about the origin of analysed compounds; for instance, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aerosols. This could be a valuable tool in source apportionment of particulate matter (PM) air pollution. Because gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) analysis requires an amount of at least 10 ng of an individual PAH, a high concentration of PAHs in the injected extract is needed.

Improved selectivity and detection limit of the carbonate-selective electrode.

The properties of the carbonate neutral carrier 4-( n-hexadecyl)-3-nitro-1-trifluoroacetylbenzene were compared with those of a similar carrier, without a nitro group, studied previously. In spite of differences in the Hammett constant of the carbonyl group responsible for interaction with the analyte, the analytical characteristics of both carriers, measured under the same conditions, were comparable. Special care was taken to avoid the presence of an excessive carbon dioxide level in the diffusion layer at the membrane-solution interface.