Remarks on the detection of aza arenes in airborne particulates

Summary Suspended particulate matter sampled in the ambient air of Duisburg was investigated for the content of aza heterocyclic compounds. The loaded filters were extracted for 10 hours in a soxhlet apparatus. The concentrated extract was shaken with diluted sulphuric acid. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH 12 with potassium hydroxide and then extracted with dichloromethane. The organic layer was transfered into cyclohexane and columned on alumina. The separated fraction was then examined by means of GC/MS. Quinoline, benzoquinoline, acridine and some of their alkyl derivates as well as azapyrene/fluoranthene were identified, whereas benzo- and dibenzoacridine could not be detected.