A new method for the simultaneous determination of PAH and metals in samples of atmospheric particulate matter

A method for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and metals in the same filter portion employed for atmospheric particulate samples collection is proposed in this study. Two standard reference materials, SRM 1648 and SRM 1649a, were extracted by microwave-assisted extraction with hexane/acetone (1:1) and the solid residue was acid digested for the determination of levels of metals. It is demonstrated that there were no significant losses of the metal load during the PAH extraction process. Finally, the devised methodology was applied to actual atmospheric particulate samples.