scope:

This International Standard specifies sampling, clean-up and analysis procedures for the quantitative determination of low volatility (particle-bound) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient air. For sampling, a low-volume or a medium/high-volume sampling device may be used. Sampling times between 1 h and 24 h are possible. The sampling volume flowrates can range from 1 m³/h to 4 m³/h ("low volume sampler") or from 10 m³/h to about 90 m³/h ("medium/high-volume sampler"). In any case, the linear face velocity at the collection filter should range between about 0,5 m/s and 0,9 m/s.

The method has been validated for sampling periods up to 24 h. The detection limits for single PAHs and the standard deviations resulting from duplicate measurements are listed in 9.2 and Annex D respectively.

This International Standard describes a sampling and analysis procedure for PAH that involves collection from air onto a filter followed by analysis using high performance liquid chromatography usually with fluorescence detector (FLD). The use of a diode array detector (DAD) is possible. The combination of both detector types is also possible (see Annex B). Total suspended particulate matter is sampled.

Generally, compounds having a boiling point above 430 °C (vapour pressure less than 10⁻⁹ kPa at 25 °C, e.g. chrysene, benz[a]anthracene) can be collected efficiently on the filter at low ambient temperatures (e.g. below 10 °C). In contrast, at higher temperatures (above 30 °C, see also ISO 12884^[1]), only PAHs having boiling points above 475 °C (vapour pressure less than 10⁻¹⁰ kPa at 25 °C) are determined quantitatively (see Annex F).