TITLE
Evaluation of POHC and PIC Screening Methods

AUTHOR(S)
R.E. Adams, R.H. James, D.S. Weinberg

PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Southern Research Institute
P.O. Box 55305
Birmingham, Alabama  35255-5305

SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Atmospheric Research and Exposure Assessment Laboratory; US EPA,
Office of Research and Development; Research Triangle Park, NC
27711

ABSTRACT
A recurring theme in environmental work is the need to characterize
emissions to the maximum extent at the minimum cost. 
Unfortunately, many projects have been carried out in the past with
little thought or planning concerning the optimum application of
analytical methods available.  Even worse, many of the analysis
data taken have been subjected to only cursory interpretation. 
This report represents the latest in a series of projects designed
to improve our ability to plan, execute, and interpret survey
analyses or screening characterization of environmental source
samples.  The application of a tiered approach to the analysis of
source emission samples was evaluated for the semi-volatile and
non-volatile organic compounds.  The analyses supported the
proposed applications of a tiered approach for screening combustion
effluents.  If it is known that most of the toxic compounds of
interest are present in the 100-300ø C boiling range then gas
chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis will
provide specific details and gravimetric analysis by the GRAV
procedure described in the report will give an indication of the
amount of high boiling non-volatile material present.  Alternately
screening of the extract by the total chromatographable organics
procedure (TCO) and GRAV may be sufficient for the characterization
of material in the sample, but high performance liquid
chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC/UV) may be needed
for the analyses of target principle organic hazardous constituents
(POHCs).  When products of incomplete combustion (PICs) are to be
determined, a chromatographic procedure combined with mass
spectrometry will probably be required.