Extraction methods were evaluated for recovery of mutagneic activity from woodsmoke-impacted air particles. Soxhlet and sonication techniques were utilized with a variety of solvents to ascertain the effect of solvent choice, extraction methods, or dissolved gases in extraction solvents on the recovery of mutagenicity. Sonication extraction gave slightly less mass recovery than the Soxhlet method. Methanol extracted more mass than the other solvents with dichloromethane recovering the least. Dissolved gases were not found to have any effect, while mutagenicity was shown to be dependent upon solvent and extraction method. Soxhlet extraction with acetone and toluene/ethanol yielded the highest recovery of mutagenic activity; however, results indicated a solvent/solute interaction which chemically altered one or more extract components. Extraction employing dichloromethane and sonication was selected as a suitable method since this treatment appeared not to alter extracted compounds, and good recovery of mutagenicity was obtained. (Copyright (c) 1988 Gordon and Breach Science Publishers Inc.)

Includes bibliographical references. "Reprint article published in International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, vol. 34, pp. 137-154, 1988." Microfiche.