Abstract
This study has tested and optimized different filter media and pre-conditioning methods, extraction methodologies, cleaning techniques and solvents, concentration procedures and GC-MS parameters in order to establish the best methodology to sample and analyze particle-bound PAH collected in low volume samples (1 4 m(3)) The procedure developed combines the use or quartz fiber filters preconditioned at 400 degrees C for 48 h with a simple extraction procedure and optimized GC-MS parameters The average method detection limits ranged from 4 to 15 pg m(-3) for the 4-7 ring PAHs, precision (RSD) ranged from 0 3 to 9 7% and accuracy ranged from -6 to 25% This method was validated with the extraction and analysis of the Standard Reference Material 1649a and was tested successfully on samples collected in outdoor microenvironments proving suitable for determination or particle-bound PAH concentrations without interferences in low volume samples