Fractionation and Chemical Analysis of Urban Air Particulate Extracts

Abstract Urban air samples were collected using Hi-Vol PM10 samplers during 24 hours periods. Samples were collected from October 1993 to September 1994 both in Teplice and Prachatice and from October 1996 to April 1997 in Teplice, CR. Organic material (EOM) was extracted from filters with methylene chloride in a Soxhlet apparatus. Acid base partitioning of the crude extract was carried out and neutral compounds were further fractionated by silica gel column chromatography. More than one hundred and seventy compounds were identified by GC-MS in the fractions. Levels of PAHs and the distribution profile was similar at both sampling locations. Higher concentrations of PAHs, nitro-PAHs, polycyclic aromatic ketones and organic acids and bases were observed in winter period when the fuel consumption for home heating is high.