Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water

Metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) have been shown to act as potent carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens. Thus, the determination of PAH is of great importance. A simple and fast method for their determination in waste water is introduced below. The sample is eluted with dichloromethane (DCM) directly into the Syncore Analyst sample tube after being extracted over a solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge. Subsequently, the DCM is evaporated to a residual volume for GC-MS analysis. The combined extraction-evaporation sample preparation method proceeds without cross-contamination.