Microprobe laser mass spectrometry studies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon distributions on harbor sediments and coals

Microprobe two-step laser mass spectrometry (muL(2)MS) was used to assess the distribution and origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on sediment particles dredged from the harbor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. PAH concentrations are largely associated with coal-derived particles and other carbonaceous environments. PAH distributions on these coal-derived particles and carbonaceous environments, which are thought to have separate origins, were found to be quite similar. muL(2)MS data of coal and thermally-processed coal showed profound differences from muL(2)MS data obtained from the coal-derived particles in the sediment. The results of these experiments indicate that the coal-derived particles are not the source of PAHs in the sediment but are scavengers of PAH contaminants in the Milwaukee Harbor sediments.