Investigation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons at a tar sands extraction facility

Three area industrial hygiene samples, three bulk bitumen samples and three reactor water samples were collected at a tar sands extraction facility at the University of Utah and analyzed for benzene solubles and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PNA) content. Benzene solubles and PNA content in the air and reactor water samples were below limits of detection. Bulk bitumen samples contained a relatively large quantity of benzene soluble compounds (benzene solubles) and nine different PNAs were identified. Qualitative and quantitative data relevant to the nine PNAs were obtained from analysis by high performance liquid chromatography utilizing ultraviolet absorption and fluorimetric detection.