An efficient fluorescent polymer sensing material for detection of traces of benzo[a]pyrene in environmental samples

A selective sensing polymer for detecting the air pollution marker benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) was prepared by molecular imprinting. When the B[a]P adsorb onto the polymer at an excited wavelength 266 nm, it emits a characteristic signal at 432 nm. The intensity of fluorescence signal corresponds to the concentration of B[a]P adsorbed onto the polymer. The cross-selectivity of the sensing polymer using other 5 PAHs was proven by comparing fluorescence intensities, and the effect of matrix in terms of total dissolved solids on sensing property of the polymer was evaluated. Using this polymeric sensor, it is possible to detect 1 part per trillion (ppt) concentration of B[a]P in environmental samples without laborious solvent extraction procedure generally used in gas chromatograph analysis.