Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

5-31-1984

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Science- (M.S.)

Department

Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

First Advisor

Arthur Greenberg

Second Advisor

Barbara B. Kebbekus

Third Advisor

Joseph W. Bozzelli

Abstract

Three studies have been conducted on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found on airborne particulate matter. The first investigation involves the determination of fly ash "activity" in the reaction of two PAHs adsorbed on its surface. Mass spectrometry is used to monitor the exchange of hydrogen and deuterium atoms between anthracene and anthracene-d10. The results indicate that some fly ashes exhibit "activity" in the reactions of PAHs adsorbed on its surface. The second investigation involves the determination of cyclopenta[cd]pyrene (CcdP) and benzo[ghi]flouranthene (BghiF) on samples of airborne particulate material collected from two automobile traffic tunnels. Glass capillary gas chromatography with a precolumn injector system is used to quantitate these two compounds. The results indicate that CcdP is a significant constituent of automobile emissions and that BghiF is present in concentrations much lower than CcdP. The last investigation involves the attempted identification of benzyl sulfate, the sulfate ester of benzyl alcohol, on ambient air particulate samples. Reverse?phase high pressure liquid chromatography is used to determine the presence or absence of benzyl sulfate on particulate matter. The results are inconclusive at present.

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