Screening Benzo(a)pyrene Metabolites in Urine Using Synchronous Room Temperature Phosphorescence

We have developed a simple measurement procedure for screening of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAC) and their metabolites in urine using room temperature phosphorescence (RTP). The signal intensities were proportional to the amounts of benzo(a)pyrene-r-7,t-8,9,10, tetrahydrotetrol (BPT) below 75 pmol per spot. The presence of unknown substances in urine of exposed rats caused photochemical interferences in the measurement of RTP. The removal of polar interferants restored the RTP spectra. These substances were removed by selective absorption of the target compounds to hydrocarbon-bonded silica particles (RP) imbedded in Whatman 42 filter paper discs. The sensitivity and linear response range are dependent on the signal to noise ratio of the instrument. Up to 1000 pmol of BPT can be adsorbed to 40 μg of imbedded RP. When an instrument with signal to noise ratio capabilities of 300 is used, 5 pmol of BPT can be detected with an S/N of 3. Room temperature phosphorescence measurements of urine from rats exposed to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) showed maximum intensity during the first and second days post exposure. © 1992, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Tuan Vo-Dinh Biomedical Engineering