Potential of gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry to source polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions

Abstract

The potential of gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC–IRMS) to apportion the source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) emissions is described. Stable carbon isotopic (δ¹³C) compositions are reported for individual PAH compounds arising from utilization of coal, biomass and diesel feedstocks. The δ¹³C signatures of product PAHs from each of the three feedstocks are significantly different to provide a basis of the application of GC–IRMS to unequivocally source PAH pollutants, particularly those produced from coal carbonization.