Fluorescence, phosphorescence, and heavy-metal activated room temperature phosphorescence spectra were obtained for ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) reference compounds individually and in mixtures on quartz plates and particulate matter. The results indicate that multicomponent analysis of PAHs on airborne particulate matter may be possible with the development of appropriate multicomponent spectral deconvolution procedures. The direct analysis approach in combination with the use of solvent extraction followed by fluorescence analysis can provide a rapid means of analysis for PAHs both within and on the surface of particulate matter. Direct phosphorescence was too weak to be useful at 5-10 micrograms/g levels found in many types of particulate samples. Heavy-metal activated room-temperature phosphorescence appears more sensitive to matrix and substrate effects and less amenable to multicomponent analysis than fluorescence. The fluorescence spectrum of benzo(a)pyrene was found to be affected by exposure to low levels of ozone. However, the fluorescence spectrum retains characteristic features that enable identification of the benzo(a)pyrene.

At head of title: Project summary. "May 1984." "EPA/600-S4-84-033."