Analytical Standards and Methods for the Determination of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Environmental Samplest

Abstract

Standard reference materials (SRM's) have been produced, certified, and issued by the United States National Bureau of Standards (NBS) since 1905. NBS currently issues more than 1000 SRM's of various types, including nuclear materials, rubber, clinical and environmental trace metal standards. The most recent addition to this group is a series of environmental trace organic materials with certified concentrations of selected polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), phenols, and N-heterocyclic compounds. Until recently, trace organic SRM's were non-existent due to the lack of analytical methodology necessary for certification. Details concerning the analytical methods developed and used for certification of the concentrations of several PAH in SRM's 1580 (Organics in Shale Oil), 1644 (Generator Columns for PAH in water), 1647 (PAH in Acetonitrile), and 1649 (Urban Particulate Matter) are given along with some suggested uses for these SRM's.