Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated soil by Curie point pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, an alternative to conventional methods

Abstract

Curie point pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS) has been compared with classical extraction procedures (Soxhlet, sonication, KOH digestion, microwave-assisted) followed by GC–MS analysis for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated soil. In each case, the efficiency of the technique was examined for 16 PAHs included in the US Environmental Protection Agency Priority Pollutant List. The results indicate that the recovery of PAHs is dependent on the extraction technique. The highest recoveries of PAHs were obtained with Curie point pyrolysis and KOH digestion. Py–GC–MS appeared to be interesting alternative method for the determination of PAHs in contaminated soil. The results were validated by certified soil (CRM 104) analysis.