Quantification of nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic compounds in sewage sludges by TLC-densitometry

A simple and quick method has been developed for quantitative determination of nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (NPAH). The method ha s been used for quantification of NPAH in sewage sludges from a sewage-trea tment plant in Upper Silesia. Compounds were separated on silica gel TLC pl ates (Merck) with dichloromethane-hexane-diethyl ether as mobile phase. Tra nsmission was measured by means of a Shimadzu CS-9301 densitometer. Detecti on limits were determined for nine nitrogen-containing PAH. Good repeatabil ity was obtained for amino- and azaarenes.