Sample cleanup procedure for polynuclear aromatic compounds in complex matrixes

Abstract

This paper describes a procedure for fractionating polynuclear aromatic compounds (PNAs) from complex matrices according to number of aromatic rings. The procedure uses cartridges packed with amino polar bonded phase packing materials to achieve chromatographic separation of the polynuclear aromatic compounds. Data are provided demonstrating the applicability of the approach for isolating PNAs from complex matrices. This procedure is compared to a fairly well-known solvent extraction scheme for the isolation of PNAs. Finally, the utility of the approach is further demonstrated by applying the method to an extract of air particulate sample acquired from an oil refinery in the Lake Charles, LA, area. © 1986, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.