Determination of polychlorinated naphthalenes in ambient air by isotope dilution gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) have a structure similar to that of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and represent a new type of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are widely present in the environment and biological communities. PCNs can migrate and transform via different environmental media, which severely affects the health of humans and organisms. Researchers have devoted considerable focus on ambient air pollution. Although the current ambient air quality has not yet limited the concentration of PCNs, the Stockholm Convention has required parties to prohibit and eliminate their production and use. As one of the contracting parties, China is obligated to improve its environmental monitoring. In other words, the development of a method for monitoring PCNs in ambient air is important for understanding ambient air quality and safeguarding human health. PCNs are generally present at trace levels (pg/m