Extraction and Estimation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Added to Milk

Abstract

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons added to milk are extracted directly from the milk with a hydrocarbon solvent under alkaline conditions. A partition step between the hydrocarbon solvent and dimethyl sulfoxide, followed by paper chromatography, is then employed to reduce interfering background material extracted from the milk. Ultraviolet spectral analysis is used to estimate the type and concentration of polycyclic compounds. Recoveries of 8 polynuclear hydrocarbons, added to one pint of milk at levels of about 2 and 4 ppb, ranged from 63 to 90%.