Abstract
Parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are present in a number of different sources in varying proportions depending on the source material and weathering. This range of PAH sources can make it difficult to determine the origin of exposure(s). Ratios of alkylated and parent PAHs have been applied as a forensic tool to distinguish between different sources. However, few studies have examined PAH ratios comprehensively as indicators for sourcing beyond a single study area or matrix type. In this paper, we introduce an expanded analytical method based on ASTM D7363-13a which we adapted for a gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry instrument. The modifications increase selectivity and sensitivity compared to the ASTM method. We added five alkylated series to the method. This method has then been applied to 22 independent forensic ratios. We evaluated the method and the forensic ratios with certified reference materials and known environmental samples. This analytical method and thirteen PAH ratios were found to accurately predict sources of PAHs.Graphical abstract
Highlights
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of widespread organic contaminants arising from both natural and anthropogenic sources such as oil seeps, wildfires, and fossil fuel combustion
One subclass of PAHs, known as alkylated PAHs, are defined as having hydrocarbon functional groups substituted onto the parent structure
These substituents can range from one hydrocarbon group, known as C1-PAHs, to much larger hydrocarbon groups
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of widespread organic contaminants arising from both natural and anthropogenic sources such as oil seeps, wildfires, and fossil fuel combustion. PAHs are defined as having at least two fused aromatic rings, and are mainly semi-volatile. These compounds can exist as unsubstituted, parent compounds, or with the addition of substituted functional groups, subclasses like alkylated, oxygenated, nitrated, and hydroxy PAHs. One subclass of PAHs, known as alkylated PAHs, are defined as having hydrocarbon functional groups substituted onto the parent structure. One subclass of PAHs, known as alkylated PAHs, are defined as having hydrocarbon functional groups substituted onto the parent structure These substituents can range from one hydrocarbon group, known as C1-PAHs, to much larger hydrocarbon groups (see Fig. 1).
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