Method 5506

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) by HPLC


This method for the determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's).  The sample is collected on a PTFE (Teflon) filter and a washed XAD-2 sorbent tube, extracted with acetonitrile, and analyzed by HPLC using fluorescence/UV detection. 

This method is not applicable to samples that require a different extraction solvent or that contain large amounts of highly adsorptive particulate matter, e.g., fly ash or diesel soot.  This method is also not applicable to asphalt fume samples.

NOTE:  This method revises P&CAM 206 & 251.  Method 5515 uses the same sampling technique, with GC measurement. Method 5800 uses same sampling technique and a flow injection method to determine total polycyclic aromatic compounds at two different sets of fluorescent wavelengths.


(NIOSH Issue 3: 15 January 1998)

Request-A-Quote

No Obligation Quotation for Analytical Services

If you would like us to provide a quote for laboratory analysis, just provide us with as much information as you can about your project (the more, the better) and we'll provide you a quote via email. As you are searching or browsing our Analytical Guide, you'll see the Request-A-Quote icon... just click on it to start the request process.
Request-A-Quote

Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   None specified in the method.
Preservatives:   Protect samples from heat and UV light.
Required Preps:   37mm, 2-µm pore size, PTFE membrane filter (SKC 225-1713) and a washed XAD-2 tube, 100mg/50mg (SKC 226-30-04)
Collection Method:   The method recommends a 2 L/min. flow rate and a 200 - 1000 L collection volume.
Analytical Methodology:   HPLC with fluorescence/UV detection
Documentation:   5506

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
Anthracene
C14H10
120-12-7
0.09
 µg
Pyrene
C16H10
129-00-0
0.3
 µg
Benzo(g,h,i)perylene
C22H12
191-24-2
0.5
 µg
Benzo[e]pyrene
C20H12
192-97-2
0.8
 µg
Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene
C22H12
193-39-5
0.2
 µg
Benzo[b]fluoranthene
C20H12
205-99-2
0.2
 µg
Fluoranthene
C16H10
206-44-0
0.09
 µg
Benzo[k]fluoranthene
C20H12
207-08-9
0.04
 µg
Acenaphthylene
C12H8
208-96-8
2
 µg
Chrysene
C18H12
218-01-9
0.2
 µg
Benzo[a]pyrene
C20H12
50-32-8
0.1
 µg
Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
C22H14
53-70-3
0.6
 µg
Benzo(a)anthracene
C18H12
56-55-3
0.09
 µg
Acenaphthene
C12H10
83-32-9
5
 µg
Phenanthrene
C14H10
85-01-8
0.06
 µg
Fluorene
C13H10
86-73-7
0.3
 µg
Naphthalene
C10H8
91-20-3
0.8
 µg

* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.