DIN ISO 16362:2006-01

Several Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered to be potential human carcinogens. PAHs are emitted into the atmosphere primarily through combustion of fossil fuel and wood. The project describes a sampling and analysis procedure for low volatility, particle bound PAHs in ambient air that involves collection from air onto a filter followed by analysis using high performance liquid chromatography with either Diode Array Detectors (DAD) or Fluorescence Detectors (FLD). Total suspended particulate matter is sampled. Sampling times between 1 hour and 24 hours are possible. For sampling, either a low volume, a medium volume, or a high volume sampling device may be used. The particulate matter onto which the PAHs are adsorbed, is collected on glass or quartz fibre filters. The PAHs are extracted and the extract concentrated. If necessary, the extracts may be cleaned by column chromatography using silica gel. For quality assurance, internal standards are added.