Novel extraction device for the determination of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs) and dibenzofurans (CDFs) in matrices containing water

Abstract

The efficient extraction of CDDs/CDFs from particulate matrices containing measurable amounts of water is complicated by the need to remove the water from the particles before beginning the extraction process. Traditionally, this has been done by pre-extracting the sample with a water miscible solvent such as isopropanol or by air drying for an extended period of time over various desiccants such as sulfuric acid or phosphorus pentoxide. These techniques can suffer from three possible problems: potential loss of analytes, accidental sample contamination, or an unacceptably long sample drying time. In response to these drawbacks, we have developed an extraction device that combines the simultaneous removal and measurement of water from a particulate sample with an exhaustive Soxhlet extraction of the dried particulates.