Improvements on the analysis methods of asphalt fumes generated in asphalt production and construction

Asphalt fumes are generated when producing and processing asphalt materials, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are commonly used as indicators to evaluate the hazardous potentials of asphalt fumes. However, the quantitative analysis of PAHs in asphalt fumes remains a challenge. Particularly, the influences of matrix compounds in asphalt fumes on PAH quantification have not been evaluated, even though matrix effect may lead to biased results. To address such a research gap, this study (1) examined the matrix effect in analyzing PAHs in asphalt fumes, (2) evaluated the effectiveness of clean-up methods, and (3) assessed the effectiveness of different methods for matrix effect compensation. Asphalt fumes from seven asphalt materials or conditions were collected and analyzed. Four clean-up methods were evaluated for their influences on PAH identification and matrix effect mitigation. Two approaches were experimented for matrix effect compensation. This study found an obvious matrix effect in the quantitative analysis of PAHs in asphalt fumes. None of the clean-up methods can effectively remove the matrix effect, but both the standard addition calibration (SAC) method and the internal standard calibration (ISC) method can compensate such effect. The findings are expected to assist in accurate quantification and evaluation of PAHs in asphalt fumes.