A Review of Analytical Methodology for the Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Coal Tar Products

Abstract

Determination of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content of coal tar products, necessary for product control and regulatory compliance, presents a challenge to the analyst. The number of PAHs that may be present in coal tar, combined with varying definitions of what exactly constitutes a PAH, makes the determination of a definitive total PAH content an elusive goal. A sound analytical approach must first define the analyte(s) to be measured, and appropriate methodology developed to estimate, by the chosen standard, the total PAH content of the product.