An automated HPLC separation method with two coupled columns for the analysis of PCDD/Fs, PCBs AND PACs

Abstract

A new automated separation method is described for the analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and related compounds in complex environmental matrices. This high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method utilises a coupled column system consisting of an amino column and a porous graphitic carbon (PGC) column and allows for elution of the columns in both directions individually and in combination. The method combines the group separating properties of the amino column with the high selectivity of the carbon column for planar aromatic compounds. The switching of the columns is made in an automated mode and the system delivers five relevant fractions ready for injection on GC/MS. These fractions contain /1/ aliphatic/monoaromatic compounds, /2/ polycyclic aromatic compounds, /3/ PCBs with 2 or more chlorine atoms in ortho position (di-tetra-ortho PCBs), /4/ PCBs with one chlorine atom in ortho position (mono-ortho PCBs) and /5/ non-ortho PCBs and PCDD/Fs. The HPLC separation method presented reduces the time for analysis and improves the reproducibility.