TitleImprovements in identification and quantitation of alkylated PAHs and forensic ratio sourcing.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsGhetu CC, Scott RP, Wilson GR, Liu-May R, Anderson KA
JournalAnal Bioanal Chem
Volume413
Issue6
Pagination1651-1664
Date Published2021 Mar
ISSN1618-2650

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.

10.1007/s00216-020-03127-0
Alternate JournalAnal Bioanal Chem
PubMed ID33506340
PubMed Central IDPMC7921031
Grant ListT32 ES007060 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P42 ES016465 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P42 ES016465 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States