ABSTRACT
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are aromatic compounds that contain two or more benzene rings that are fused together. These substances may be analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), GC/mass spectrometry (MS), and enzyme immunoassay techniques. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has specified a method (Draft Method 4035) that detects a range of PAHs to different degrees and measures the composite of individual responses to determine the total PAHs in the sample. The US EPA has listed 16 PAHs as priority pollutants in wastewater and 24 PAH in the category of soils, sediments, hazardous wastes, and groundwater. This chapter presents some common PAH compounds. PAHs have very low vapor pressure at room temperature. These substances, however, may deposit on the dusts in the air. PAH may be produced during pyrolysis of organic materials. The analysis of PAH in air may be done by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Methods 5506 and 5515.
