CHLORINATED POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS - METHOD OF ANALYSIS AND THEIR OCCURRENCE IN URBAN AIR

A method for sensitive and selective analysis of chlorinated polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (Cl-PAHs) is described. Two-dimensional liquid chromatography was applied for the isolation of a fraction containing Cl-PAHs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Separation, selective detection, and identification of Cl-PAHs were performed by the use of GC-MS utilizing chemical ionization, selected-ion monitoring, and negative-ion detection. Samples from an urban area were investigated with respect to the occurrence, identity, and concentration of Cl-PAHs. Among the identified compounds were 1- and 4-chloropyrene and 6-chlorochrysene. The former two exhibit strong mutagenic effects, and the later binds to the TCDD receptor and is an AHH-inducing agent. The level of 1-chloropyrene was found to be about 10 pg/m3 in the street and about 40 pg/m3 in the road tunnel. The Cl-PAHs found in urban air were in agreement with those predicted from laboratory studies of reactivity and formation of chloro-substituted PAHs using gaseous chlorine. The presence of some specific isomers of chloro-substituted PAHs indicated degradation products of chloro-added PAHs.