On-Line Trace Enrichment and HPLC Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water

Abstract

Abstract A fast and simple method for the determination of trace levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water is proposed. Problems arising from the adsorption of the heaviest hydrocarbons on vessels, filters and connection tubes have been mostly overcome by addition of acetonitrile to the sample before the preconcentration step. Recoveries > 70%, RSD < 10% and limits of detection ranging from 1.2 μg/1 (naphthalene) to 4 ng/1 (anthracene, fluoranthene and benzo(k) fluoranthene) were obtained with spiked water samples.