Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of pollutants
commonly found in the environment. Air particulate matter bound
PAHs originate mainly from incomplete combustion of organic matter.
They received attention in air pollution studies because of their toxicity
(carcinogenic or mutagenic potential influence) [1]. The combination of
PAHs' concentration measurements with stable isotope ratio data may
be of help in the identification of their sources, which is crucial for undertaking
effective control measures to reduce their levels in the environment
[2].
One of the conditions for a reliable analysis of isotope ratios is
obtaining well-separated peaks. During the chromatographic separation
the isotopically heavier molecules elute slightly earlier, thus, the
isotope ratios vary significantly across the widths of peaks. The beginning
of the peak is strongly enriched in 13C while the end of the peak
is depleted [3]. In case the compounds of interest are not well-resolved
from each other or from the impurities present in the sample, an
artificial enrichment of the preceding peak in 13C would occur and the
depletion of the following compound during the separate integration