Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potent pollutants comprised of fused aromatic rings. They are a major concern to our health due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic characteristics. Our research collaborates an overall demographic of PAH levels in Los Angeles, CA, via bio-monitoring of tree leaves, particularly, Magnolia, Cypress, and Citrus trees. Three distinct areas were chosen for examination: a secluded mountainside, a busy main street, and an interstate freeway. The leaves underwent an extraction process using CH2Cl2 as a solvent. The procedure involved homogenization, sonication, filtration and evaporation. Subsequently, the concentrated samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Preliminary results were evaluated referencing PAH standards and have demonstrated successful extraction of several naphthalene derivatives. We are currently working on improving our filtration methods and extraction procedures through the utilization of various solvent systems (Hexane, CH2Cl2) and a Soxhlet extractor. We expect that such modifications will allow us to drastically improve our detection limits and sensitivity.

Demographic study of PAHs in the Los Angeles area, studying deposition levels on tree leaves

247th National Meeting (2014)

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