Development and Analysis of Three Diesel Particulate-Related Standard Reference Materials for the Determination of Chemical, Physical, and Biological Characteristics

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has recently issued three Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) related to diesel particulate matter: SRM 1650a, Diesel Particulate Matter; SRM 2975, Diesel Particulate Matter (Industrial Forklift); and SRM 1975, Diesel Particulate Extract. These three materials have certified and reference concentrations for selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including many alkyl-substituted compounds. SRM 1650a is the reissue of an existing material and SRMs 2975 and 1975 represent new materials. The characterization of the PAH content of these three diesel particulate-related SRMs is presented with a discussion of the approach for the certification of PAH concentrations. In addition, the physical and biological characterization of these materials is discussed. A review of customer reported uses of these SRMs in the chemical, physical, and biological sciences is also provided.