Grantee Research Project Results
Product Formation and Identification in Photodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Models of Atmospheric Particulate: Effect of the Surface Physical and Chemical Properties
EPA Grant Number: R823328Title: Product Formation and Identification in Photodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Models of Atmospheric Particulate: Effect of the Surface Physical and Chemical Properties
Investigators: Arce, Rafael , Rosario, Osvaldo
Institution: University of Puerto Rico - Regional Colleges Admin
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: September 1, 1995 through September 1, 1998
Project Amount: $293,682
RFA: Exploratory Research - Minority Institutions (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Water , Land and Waste Management , Aquatic Ecosystems , Air
Description:
Atmospheric particulate matter has shown significant mutagenic and/or carcinogenic activity of its extracts ascribed not only to primary pollutants, such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), but also to their unidentified transformation products. Thus the study of PAH and their possible phototransformations at the particle/air interface is of extreme importance. In this project a group of PAH adsorbed on substrates used to model the atmospheric particulate are photolyzed alone or in the presence of coadsorbed gases, metal ions, or water. The principal aims are to obtain fundamental information on the ultimate fate and phototransformation mechanism of the PAH by isolating and characterizing the products and to study the effect of the surface's physical condition and chemical composition on the nature of the products, their yield and distribution. The results will provide fundamental baseline information for the search and eventual detection of these substances in atmospheric particulate samples and/or the possible use of solar radiation in environmental remediation processes on insulators.Supplemental Keywords:
RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, particulate matter, air toxics, HAPS, Chemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, monitoring, ambient air quality, particulates, phototransformation, exposure and effects, hydrocarbon, chemical characteristics, human health effects, environmental remediation, atmospheric transport, photochemical assessment, ambient pollution controlProgress 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.