Application of simple ultrasonic assisted extraction coupled with HPLC and GC/MS for the determination of surface active compounds in atmospheric particulate matter

A large number of surface-active compounds emitted from the biomass burning effect the atmospheric environment. A more accurate method is needed to analyze and understand the chemical composition of surface active compounds. Herein we report a fast and simple method for the determination of surface active compound in particulate matter from the ambient air. Atmospheric particulate matter from study area was collected with high volume air sampler during biomass burning haze episode period. The particulate matter was extracted by ultrasonic assisted extraction, a technique that is shown to be simple and fast for the extraction of the surface-active compound with a high efficiency as comparable to other extraction techniques. Sample analysis was carried out by ultrasonic methanol extraction followed by HPLC and GC/MS detection to better understand the chemical composition of surface active compounds in atmospheric particulate matter. HPLC analysis performed with gradient mode using acetonitrile: acetate buffer solution of pH 5.4 with fluorescence detector while GC/MS analysis performed with sample derivatization with 10% BF3-methanol. This is quick and simple procedures and a large number of the surface-active compounds were identified. The result shows that monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, and polyacidic compounds, levoglucosan and aromatic hydrocarbon are the main surface active compounds in atmospheric particulate because of their surface active potential. From the result, it is noticed that both the techniques appear suitable for the analysis of surface active compounds in the atmospheric particulate matter since they provide low detection limits. The backward air trajectories from Kampar in the north of peninsular Malaysia confirmed that nearly all the winds paths originate from Sumatera and Kalimantan, Indonesia.