Optimization of a column chromatography separation method for spectroscopic analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in air particulate matter

Air pollution is one of the greatest concerns worldwide, as it affects world population evenly and it is the cause of death of children younger than 5 years. The presence of organic pollutants in particulate matter is well known, and as its composition is studied, new methods are developed, and others are optimized to reduce the analysis time. In this sense, this communication aims to describe the optimization of a column chromatography separation method for the easing of the UV-Vis analysis of the organic pollutants present in total suspended matter in air samples taken in two different Mexican cities.