Methods of analysis for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental samples

For many years industry, academia, and the federal government have been involved in the development of methods for the analysis of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA's) in the environment. This concern for the measurement of PNA's has arisen because some of these materials are known carcinogens. The presence of these compounds in the environment is well established. In particular, these compounds have been found in sediments and marine organisms. They can enter the ocean by many routes, including petroleum spills, runoff from roads, sewage, effluents from industrial processes, and fallout from the atmosphere. In order to obtain baseline data on this subject, several years ago API initiated a project in which a continuing effort was made to measure PNA's in petroleum, fish, and foodstuffs. The question of the origin, distribution, and fate of PNA's in the environment has been of keen interest for many years. Data obtained from the API program tend to support earlier conclusions drawn by Blumer and Youngblood and Hites that PNA's present in the marine environment are most likely derived from high temperature combustion sources. This conclusion is based on the distribution of alkyl substituted PNA's measured relative to the parent PNA's. Analytical methods applicable to PNAmore » analysis are almost as varied as the number of laboratories doing this type of work. The more pertinent techniques are summarized and their applicability to various types of environmental samples is reviewed.« less