Two dimensional TLC determination of PAH in diluted automobile exhaust gases

Abstract

SummaryA method is described for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the diluted exhaust gas of diesel vehicles. Sampling is done by drawing off proportional streams from the dilution tunnel. The particulates deposited on filters are sublimed, and the sublimate is purified and prefractionated on silica gel. Further separation and quantitative determination of the PAH is performed by two dimensional TLC in conjunction with in situfluorescencespectrometry. Resultsof theoretical considerations and experimental data on the distribution of the emitted PAH between particulate matter and the corresponding gas phase in diluted exhaust are presented. A modified Langmuir adsorption model is used to explain the effects of dilution ratio and sample temperature in the dilution tunnel. Comparison of the emission values for PAH obtained from diluted and undiluted exhaust shows good agreement. Furthermore, the PAH contents of the exhaust gas of several diesel-engined cars are also compared for various driving cycles.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Analysis with the Mars Organic Analyzer Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis System

“…While PAHs can be found in a number of natural geological sources including volcanic ash, hydrothermal vents, coal and petroleum deposits, and oil shales, there are a number of anthropomorphic contributions to PAH prevalence. PAH pollution stems from auto exhaust, wood and cigarette smoke, lumber processing plants, and so forth, leading to PAH contamination in, for example, marine environments and in the air over major cities . Currently, terrestrial sampling and analysis is focused on the cleanup of environmental contamination sites. , While there have been recent advances in the analysis of PAHs from these samples including micellar electrokinetic chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography, − reverse-phase HPLC remains one of the most commonly used methods .…”

“…While PAHs can be found in a number of natural geological sources including volcanic ash, hydrothermal vents, 11 coal 12 and petroleum deposits, and oil shales, 13 there are a number of anthropomorphic contributions to PAH prevalence. PAH pollution stems from auto exhaust, 14 wood and cigarette smoke, 15 lumber processing plants, 16 and so forth, leading to PAH contamination in, for example, marine environments 17 and in the air over major cities. 18 Currently, terrestrial sampling and analysis is focused on the cleanup of environmental contamination sites.…”