PERFORMANCE OF A CHROMATOGRAPHIC PROCEDURE USED IN THE CERTIFICATION OF REFERENCE MATERIAL FOR POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS IN SEWAGE-SLUDGE

Semi-automatic capillary gas chromatographic method with classical fla me ionization detection, which satisfies the conditions for required p erformance and gave acceptable results within the framework of an inte rlaboratory certification programme for PAHs in sewage sludge, is desc ribed. The interesting feature of the procedure is that it incorporate s automatic operations such as sample fractionation by semi-preparativ e HPLC, fraction collection at signal level recognition and evaporatio n under nitrogen flow. Multiple injections in the GC capillary column are performed in the on-column mode via an autosampler with temperatur e-programmable injector. Automatic data acquisition and chromatogram t reatment are made via computer software. This partially automatic proc edure releases personnel from tedious and time-consuming tasks and its robust character was validated through the certification of reference material for PAHs in sewage sludge, demonstrating its reliable perfor mance.