Collection and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air using XAD-2 resin adsorbent

An analytical method for collection and determination of trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere was investigated. PAHs with relatively low boiling points (gaseous PAHs) could be collected efficiently from ambient air by an adsorbent tube containing XAD~2 resin with the aid of a battery-driven portable pump. Fifteen species of gaseous PAHs including naphthalene, acenaphthylene, biphenyl, fluorene, anthracene and pyrene as well as their isomers and alkylated derivatives were identified and determined by using GC/MS. By this method, the gaseous PAHs were measured in artificial environments, i.e., underground structural complexes such as an indoor parking lot and shopping mall.