Monitoring and characterization of polyaromatic compounds in the environment.

This paper provides an overview of analytical techniques and instruments used to monitor and characterize polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the environment. The basic operating principles of various analytical approaches and systems are presented. The review deals specifically with spectroscopic methods, chromatographic and hyphenated techniques, and field monitoring devices. Emphasis is given to portable devices that can be used under field conditions. Specific examples of analytical techniques and instruments developed in the authors's laboratories will be discussed to illustrate the usefulness and potential of these approaches for environmental monitoring and characterization of PACs.