Grantee Research Project Results
Determination of the Radiocarbon Ages of Individual PAH Extracted From Urban Aerosol and Marine Sediment: Prepurification, GC Separation, and AMS Analysis of Microgram-Sized Samples
EPA Grant Number: U915153Title: Determination of the Radiocarbon Ages of Individual PAH Extracted From Urban Aerosol and Marine Sediment: Prepurification, GC Separation, and AMS Analysis of Microgram-Sized Samples
Investigators: Pearson, Ann
Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: January 1, 1997 through January 1, 2000
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Oceanography , Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Aquatic Ecology and Ecosystems
Objective:
The objective of this research project is to determine whether the unregulated combustion of modern biogenic material may contribute a significant fraction of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in marine sediments by combining molecular-level stable carbon and radiocarbon isotopic ratios (d13C, D14C) to yield quantitative source apportionment in two isotopic dimensions.
Approach:
Determination of the molecular-level 14C content of trace organic compounds extracted from natural samples presents several analytical challenges. Identification and quantitation of organic molecules by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is typically performed at nanogram detection levels. Although advances in 14C dating by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) have greatly reduced sample size requirements, microgram quantities of carbon are still required. Our laboratory has developed an analytical approach, based on preparative capillary gas chromatography (PCGC), which provides a practical means to isolate purified organic compounds in amounts sufficient for AMS 14C analysis.
Automated PCGC isolation of individual compounds is achieved using a specially designed, high capacity, CGC. Five mL of a complex mixture is injected into the system; 1 percent of the effluent passes to a flame ionization detector, and the remaining 99 percent is collected cryogenically in a series of seven U-tube traps. Six traps are programmed to collect compounds of interest; the seventh "waste" trap received the remainder of the mixture. The resulting samples of purified organic compounds can contain up to several hundred micrograms carbon, suitable for AMS 14C analysis.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, PAH, urban aerosol, marine sediment, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, GC/MS, accelerator mass spectrometry, AMS, preparative capillary gas chromatography, PCGC, organic compounds, carbon., Scientific Discipline, Air, Air Quality, Environmental Chemistry, air toxics, Environmental Monitoring, aerosol particles, radiocarbon analysis, emissions, PAH, combustion technologyProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.