POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS FROM U.S. AND ANTARCTIC SITES ANALYZED WITH SYNCHRONOUS FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY

• Main Authors: N.E. Amick, J.E. Pollard, W.H. Engelmann, K.W. Brown, J.P. Alarie, W. Watts, T. Vo-Dihn, F.M. Akindele, A.B. Crockett
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2004
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://oaspub.epa.gov/eims/eimsapi.dispdetail?deid=42048

Synchronous ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) fluorescence spectrometry is currently being evaluated as a field screening technology by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory in Las Vegas, Nevada. his method can provide compound- or class-selective results on site at a reasonable cost. rototype field-portable spectrofluorometer capable of excitation, emission, and synchronous scans was field tested at the American Creosote Works Superfund Site (a wood preservation facility) in Jackson, Tennessee. he instrument was also tested in the laboratory with sediment samples collected from Antarctica. he UV-vis fluorescence spectra of various PAHs were clearly seen in the synchronous spectra of soils samples extracted on site at American Creosote Works. he spectra for the Antarctic sediment samples were nearly identical to that of motor oil. he results of this study demonstrate the utility of synchronous fluorescence to provide evidence of the presence and identity of hydrocarbon contamination in environmental samples. he technique allows flexibility in selection of optimum extraction and instrumental procedures for site-specific matrices