A Review of Sampling Methods for Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons in Air

Abstract

The recent literature describing sampling methods and development of sampling techniques for airborne PAH is reviewed. Aspects of sampling such as particle sizing and the types of collection media for particle bound and gaseous PAH are discussed. Findings on formation of artifacts during sampling for PAH as a result of reactions with copollutants existing in air are summarized. Effects of sampling conditions such as flow rate, temperature, humidity and sampling duration are reviewed. Developments reported for both passive sampling for PAH and for direct measurement techniques, such as second derivative ultraviolet absorption spectrometry and synchronous luminescence, are also noted.