Chromatography–mass spectrometry identification of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in thermally modified petroleum products and thermal destruction products of organic materials of various origins

Abstract

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons in samples of thermally treated petroleum products and thermal destruction products of organic materials of various origins are studied. Samples of kerosene, diesel fuel, and gasoline of different grades, that is, light flammable petroleum products often used as combustion initiators; wood; flooring (linoleum); and offset paper are selected as test samples. A pattern for determining these samples by chromatography–mass spectrometry against the background of other products formed under fire conditions is developed. It is suggested to use the limiting value of the intensity ratios of the peaks of tri- and bicyclic condensed arenes in trace residues of the combustion initiator, modified as a result of evaporation and burnup, as an identification parameter. This approach expands the range of tasks in identifying the source of environmental pollution and in determining traces of combustion initiator for forensic and fire-technical expertise.