Evaluation of a new automated cleanup system for the analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in environmental samples

An automated cleanup system (Power-Prep(TM), Fluid Management Systems, Inc. ) was evaluated for the analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and d ibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF) in environmental samples. The study was firstly ca rried out against standard mixtures containing labeled and unlabeled PCDD/P CDF and a certified reference material (fly ash CRM 490). Next, a compariso n between a conventional cleanup procedure and the new automated system for PCDD/PCDF analysis in environmental samples such as flue gas emissions, fl y ashes, sludges, ambient air and soils was also made. The suitability of t he system was finally assessed from the participation in an interlaboratory exercise. Owing to its capability to successfully perform the sample clean up the Power-Prep(TM) apparatus is an alternative to the conventional metho ds. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.