CLEANUP METHODS FOR POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS ANALYSES BY CAPILLARY GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY

Comparative results of pre-treatment methods for the extracts of polyc yclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from airborne particulate matter fo r quantitative determination by gas chromatography (GC) are presented. The first method included liquid-liquid extraction and column liquid adsorption chromatography. In the second procedure the extract was fra ctionated by liquid-liquid chromatography and liquid adsorption chroma tography. In the last procedure two different solid phase extraction ( SPE) cartridges were applied. Each of the pre-treatment procedures exa mined makes it possible to separate PAHs and remove paraffinic compoun ds which is very important for the quantitative GC analysis of the PAH s. Recoveries of PAH standards and some their derivatives were determi ned and the contents of 15 of the most important PAHs, were compared.