Solid-Phase Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Fluorimetric Methods

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed on the surface of particulates collected in a working environment have been analyzed using fluorescence techniques. In particular, fluorescence measurements were carried out directly on the sampling filters, in solid phase, and for comparison, on the extract samples in solution. Fluorescence synchronous acquisitions allowed the detection of signals from different PAH compounds and, on the basis of the 0-0 transition energy, the assignment of the emission signals to chemical structures. In particular, the contribution of benzo-a-pyrene was easily detected and used to evaluate the sensitivity of the measurements, which is a few nanograms per milliliter, comparable with other analytical tools. The results of the fluorimetric investigation were validated through the comparison with the data obtained by gas chromatography (GC) analysis on the extracted samples, which allowed identification of the PAHs and the quantification of their distribution on the filters with different cut sizes. The agreement between the two series of data led to the conclusion that fluorimetric analysis directly on the sampling filter could be a new and cost-effective approach for the analysis of PAHs.

Montmorillonite as an agent for drug photostability

“…In order to deeply investigate the photoprotection action, fluorescence measurements were carried out under steady-state conditions and as a function of irradiation time; it is well established that fluorescence techniques allow high sensitivity analysis also on powder samples. 15,[43][44][45][46] PX in aqueous solutions shows a quite weak fluorescence whose spectrum has maxima at 425 and 475 nm due to different prototropic species, in agreement with literature data 8,40 (Fig. 8).…”

Microbial communication during bioremediation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons

“…Multiple signals have been recorded using fluorescence synchronous acquisition based on the 0-0 transition energy, which is dependent on the number of rings in the PAHs. Fluorimetric emission signals were validated by comparing them to data acquired by gas chromatography (GC), leading to the conclusion that fluorimetric analysis could be a new and cost-effective method for analyzing PAHs [11,133]. The sensitivity (limits of detection below part-per-billion levels) and selectivity of the analytes are improved by measuring their excitation-emission fluorescence matrices, which reduces the determination time by around 4 min per sample [18].…”

Photocatalytic activity of silica and silica-silver nanocolloids based on photo-induced formation of reactive oxygen species

“…Persistent organic pollutants are an increasing urgency that alter the composition of aquatic environments [1][2][3]. In addition to the well-known polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [4,5] other contaminants, derived from pharmaceuticals, health-care products, drugs and pesticides [6][7][8], are increasingly being detected in watercourses and their presence can severely impact on the ecosystem.…”