Gas Chromatography Coupled To Mass Spectrometer Research Articles

Schinus terebinthifolius essential oil and fractions in the control of Aedes aegypti

Several technologies have been developed to control Aedes aegypti, mainly studies on isolated plant molecules. The Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi) (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as pink pepper is a plant widely used in reforestation of degraded areas and its fruits are used as condiments. The objective of this work was to investigate the potential of essential oils (EOs) and fractions (FRs) obtained from fresh fruits and leaves of S. terebinthifolius. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation (2 hours), fractionated on a chromatographic column using as the stationary phase silica gel 60 (0.063-0.2mm), mobile phases: n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol and chemically evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC/MS). EOs and FRs were tested against larvae of the third stage and pupae of Ae. aegypti by Immersion Test at concentrations ranging from 500.00 to 0.003 mg mL-1 (v/v). The hexane FRs obtained from fruits and leaves were the ones that showed the greatest activity on the larvae (LC99.9= 0.60 mg mL-1 and LC99.9 0.64 mg mL-1, respectively) and pupae (LC99,9 = 2.51 mg mL-1 and 2.61 mg mL-1, respectively). These results were confirmed by the anticholinesterase activity where the hexane (fruit and leaf) FRs presented the highest inhibitory potential on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (0.156 mg mL-1 and 0.312 mg mL-1, respectively), suggesting the likely mechanism of action. The larvicidal potential can be explained by the presence of the major compounds bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D in the hexane FRs, indicating in this way that they may replace or even act in synergisms with conventional chemical larvicides. In this way the present study opens the field for new researches, aiming the development of products with the compounds bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D, as an alternative in the control of this culicide.

Preliminary Assessment of the Distribution of PM2.5-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Primary School Environments in Kuala Lumpur

Fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm) (PM2.5) has become a major concern because it can adsorb chemicals e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) onto its surface. Although PAHs are priority pollutants that can cause adverse health effect, there is still limited information concerning indoor exposures to PAHs in Malaysia. This study aimed to characterise the distribution of PAHs bounded to PM2.5 in primary school environments. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 were collected between May and July 2017 using low volume samplers (LVS) at three public primary schools in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. PAHs were extracted by ultrasonic extraction with Dichloromethane:n-Hexane (1:1, v/v) as the extraction solvent and analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Based on the results, the average total concentration of PAHs (∑PAHs) ranged from 3.8 to 10.1 ng m-3 and 1.6 to 8.0 ng m-3 for outdoors and indoors, respectively. PAHs in PM2.5 samples indicated the potential contribution of combustion at high temperature and indoor sources, and the infiltration of outdoor PAHs were the important sources for outdoor and indoor, respectively. In addition, the diagnostic ratio analysis showed that vehicular emissions were the most predominant sources of PAHs in school environments.

Comparative studies of essential oils of Clausena anisata (Hook) using solvent-free microwave extraction and hydrodistillation methods

Background: Essential oils have been used for medical purposes because of their medicinal properties and are sourced from natural products. Aim: The comparative study of essential oils from Clausena anisata leaves obtained through two methods of extraction was undertaken. Setting: C. anisata leaves were collected from Akinsola village in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Methods: Essential oil was extracted using the methods of solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) and hydrodistillation (HD) and then analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Results: The result shows that the essential oils obtained from the leaves of C. anisata through SFME and HD are pale yellow and colourless, respectively. A higher oil yield of 5.2 mL/100 g was obtained through SFME compared to 3.7 mL/100 g obtained through HD. There was an abundance of monoterpenes in the oil obtained using HD, while sesquiterpenes were the dominant compounds in the oil extracted using SFME. Other compounds present were α-cubebene, α-copaene and α-pinene with 1091.63, 1091.64 and 979.35, respectively. Conclusion: The compounds obtained which are very important in the cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries, is dependent on the method of essential oil extraction.

Evaluation of the Larvicidal Potential of the Essential Oil Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth in the Control of Aedes aegypti.

The objective of this work was to collect information on the chemical constituents that demonstrate the larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, as well as the antioxidant, microbiological, and cytotoxicity potential of the essential oil of Pogostemon cablin leaves. The chemical characterization was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The larvicidal activity was performed according to the protocol of the World Health Organization. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through the sequestering capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazine (DPPH). As for the microbiological evaluation, the microdilution technique was used, according to the protocol of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated against the larvae of Artemia salina. The species P. cablin presented the following compounds: Patchouli alcohol (33.25%), Seyshellene (6.12%), α-bulnesene (4.11%), Pogostol (6.33%), and Norpatchoulenol (5.72%), which was in synergy with the other substances may significantly potentiate the larvicidal action of the species with the LC50 of 28.43 μg·mL−1. There was no antioxidant activity, however, it presented antimicrobial activity against all bacteria tested with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 62.5 μg·mL−1. The species demonstrated significant toxic action with LC50 of 24.25 μg·mL−1. Therefore, the P. cablin species showed significant larvicidal potential, antimicrobial activity, the absence of antioxidant action, and high toxicity.

Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Juniperus oxycedrus essential oils from North Western Algeria

The aim of the current study was to identify the essential oils of Juniperus oxycedrus from North Western Algeria (Mostaganem) by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS), and to evaluate their antibac-terial and antioxidant activities. Extraction was carried out by two processes, hydrodistillation (HD) and steam distillation (SD). Analysis by GC-MS led to the identification of 38 components using both methods. HD was found to be the best process for the extraction of Juniperus essential oil, and the ma-jor identified compounds were: germacrene-D (38.28%), followed by α.-pinene (17.66%), and δ-cadinene (5.91%). In the antibacterial test, SD oil had a higher inhibitory effect. The strain Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive with an inhibition zone of 15.25 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.25 mg/mL. The antioxidant activity of J. oxycedrus es-sential oils obtained by HD was more important than SD (IC50= 19.52 mg/mL and IC50= 38.62 mg/mL) with DPPH and β-carotene bleaching tests respec-tively. Essential oils of J. oxycedrus could therefore represent good candidates to be used as antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

Caracterização química e citotoxicidade do óleo essencial do cravo-da-índia (Syzygium aromaticum)

This work evaluates the physical-chemical properties of the essential oil of the dryfloral buds of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) that are found in the Municipality of Saint Louis, Maranhao. The essential oil was quantitatively extracted by hydrodistillation.The physicochemical properties of the essential oil (density, refractive index,solubility, color and appearance) and cytotoxic activity against larvae of Artemia salinaa were determined. The oil was analytically characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results show that the best timeand yield of the oil were correspondingly 4 hours and 4.33% mass per volume. Fromthis, it was possible to identify five components, being the major presence of eugenol that soon was confirmed by the spectroscopic techniques. In the identification ofthe major component and the other components, as well as their quantifications,the techniques were precise and the methods efficient, providing a good analytical performance in the determinations.

Chemical Composition of the Headspace Volatiles from Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King in Ghana

Many natural enemies of herbivorous insects are attracted to semiochemicals emitted by plants. Semiochemicals emitted by host plants can prime neigbouring plants to adjust their defensive mechanism against future attack. Crop protection, using plant signal is recently gaining momentum due to health and environmental concerns about the use of synthetic pesticides. Semiochemicals have successfully been used to protect maize from the stem borer through the Push /Pull technology. Chromolaena odorata plant is known to support a large and varied insect fauna although the chemistry involved has not been fully established. To determine the volatiles emitted by the undamaged C. odorata plant that might be associated with the insect plant interaction, Dynamic headspace technique was used to collect volatiles from the plant under laboratory conditions and analysed using a Gas chromatography and Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). Thirty three compounds were identified from the collected headspace volatile from the plant. (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), 4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene (TMTT) and E-β-farnesene are three semiochemicals identified that had not been reported to be emitted by an intact C. odorata plant from Ghana.

Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH4) in the Traditional Lebanese Grilled Chicken: Implementation of New, Rapid and Economic Analysis Method

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH4) (benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene) are evaluated in a traditional and widely consumed staple in Lebanon “Lebanese Grilled Chicken.” Forty samples with different local additives grilled by charcoal were purchased from different restaurants located in different regions in Lebanon. For this purpose, a simple and a reliable analytical method based on sonication technique and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS) has been developed and validated. Several parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as the nature and the volume of the extract solvent, as well as other factors were investigated and optimized. The developed method is environmentally and economically friendly with a minimized consuming time, consisting of a single sonication step for 15 min using 12 mL of non-carcinogenic solvent acetonitrile (ACN) and without any further concentration prior to analysis. Following extraction, the cleanup step was based on freezing and d-SPE by C18 addition. Under optimized conditions, the method performances were evaluated; the limits of quantification (LOQs) achieved were lower than 0.689 μg kg−1, and these values fit the performance criteria for the method given by the EC that defined the LOQ values of PAH lower than 0.9 μg kg−1. In addition, the recovery values of the analyzed PAHs ranged from 88.9 to 119.3% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 8% (n = 15). The levels of PAH4 were in the range from 1.52 to 49.9 μg kg−1, where about 40% of the Lebanese grilled chicken exceeded the EU commission MRLs of 12 μg kg−1.

A Simple Extraction Method for Determination of High Molecular Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

AbstractA simplified extraction method was developed for extracting high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from river sediments. The samples were extracted 3 times with 5 mL of solvent (toluene:methanol, 9 : 1, v/v) at 100 °C, 10 minutes for each extraction. After clean‐up and concentration, extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC‐MS). The extraction efficiency and accuracy was evaluated by the standard reference material (SRM‐1941b). Comparing to certified values, the average recoveries of high molecular weight PAHs with 3, 4, 5 and 6 fused benzene rings were 72.9∼113.2 % (R.S.D. 2.3∼6.3 %) except those of dibenz[a,h]anthracene (206.2±4.6 %). The average recoveries for PAHs spiked sediment samples were comparable with accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and Soxhlet methods. The simple extraction method consumes less solvent, fewer amount of sample than those of conventional methods. The lowest quantitation limit of PAHs is 1.1 μg/kg.

Chemical Constituents of Essential Oil of <em>Lantana camara</em> Linn. Leaves

The determination of the chemical profile of essential oil of the leaves of <em>Lantana camara</em> Linn. was undertaken in this study. Essential oil was extracted from the dried leaf sample using hydro distillation method. Gas Chromatograph coupled with Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) was used for chemical analysis of the extracted essential oil. Eighteen constituents were identified, representing 100% composition of the oil. The constituents were mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The major constituents were found to be caryophllene oxide (21.75%), (-) -spathulenol (14.95%), D-nerolidol (10.39%) and (-) -&beta-caryophyllene (9.90%). The yield of essential oil obtained was 0.19%. Some of the identified constituents of the essential oil have proven pharmacological activities, uses in food, drink and cosmetic industries. The essential oil of <em>L. camara</em> leaves is worth exploiting for use by relevant industries.

Proximate Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Fixed oils from Diospyros lotus L.

Diospyros lotus roots are traditionally used in various diseases including its use in microbialinfections. We designed a study to identify chemical constituents of oil from D. lotus and its antimicrobial activities. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer(GC-MS) was used for chemical analyses. Results showed that oil contained saturated as well as unsaturated compounds. Oil was investigated for its antimicrobial properties. Oil showed moderate antibacterial activity against two gram positive and two gram negative bacterial strains however oil showed low activity against four fungal strains. Interestingly no cytotoxicity was observed in Brine shrimp model; these encouraging results indicate further yet extensive studies to explore therapeuticpotential in microbial infections.

Essential oil from leaves of Lantana camara: a potential source of medicine against leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is an infection of viscera or tegument caused by protozoa Leishmania sp. The extensive period required for the treatment, which involves the use of toxic medicines, leads patients to drop treatment increasing the development of resistant forms of Leishmania sp. Lantana camara L., Verbenaceae, is a tropical plant native from America. Folk uses have been described for treatment of tumors, tetanus, rheumatism and malaria. This study evaluates the leishmanicidal activity of the essential oil of leaves from L. camara on promastigote forms of Leishmania chagasi and L. amazonensis and its toxic effects on Artemia salina (brine shrimp test), macrophage cultures and BALB/c mice. The chemical composition was evaluated using the gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Thirty substances, mostly mono and sesquiterpenes were identified. The most representative constituents were: germacrene D (24.90%), farnesene derivatives (22%) and (E)-cariophylene (14.31%). Bioassays revealed a significant leishmanicidal activity of essential oil against L. amazonensis (IC50 0.25 µg/ mL) and a potential toxic effect on Brine shrimp (LC50 10 µg/mL) and macrophage assays (CC50 4 µg/mL), while there was no toxic manifestation on mice. The data show the relevant potential of L. camara as a source of medicine for leishmaniasis treatment.

Origin and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Lagoon Ecosystems of Morocco

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in sediments and bivalves by the Gas chromatography coupled to Mass spectrometer (GC/MS). PAHs concentrations in sediments of My Bousselham and Khnifiss, Atlantics lagoons, (expressed as ∑PAH) ranged from 31 to 82 ng/g of dry weight and from 6.6 to 34 ng/g of dry weight, respectively. Concerning organisms, PAHs levels contamination ranged from 28 to 117 ng/g of dry weight for My Bousselham (Ruditapes Decussates) and from 7 to 18.5 ng/g of dry weight for Khnifiss Lagoon Oyster (Crassostrea gigas). In the Med Lag (Nador), the results obtained showed a range varying from 6 to 126 ng/g of dry weight for sediments and from 24 to 32 ng/g of dry weight for organisms (Mytilus Galoprovincialis). The origin investigation of PAHs in sediment revealed, that the process of combustion was the main source in these Lagoons, while the diagenetic source, related to the high concentrations obtained of Perylene, was established only in both Atlantics Lagoons (Khnifiss and My Bousselham). A prevalence of high molecular weight PAHs was observed, with a considerable predominance of 4-ring PAHs in sediments and organisms of the My bousselham and Nador lagoons, while, no clear predominance was observed in the compartments studied in the Khnifiss lagoon. Correlation study of individual PAH between sediments and organisms, showed that absorption by Clams of low molecular weight PAH group, of which correlation was low, could be done through the water dissolved form, while the absorption of heavier molecular weight PAHs, which showed a high correlation of their distribution between sediments and Clams, could be the absorption from particulate matter.

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Mytilus galloprovincialis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; as Mussel Watch for Butyltins, Tin, Copper and Zinc Contamination, from Antifouling Paint Particles, in West Algerian Coastal Waters

Butyltin compounds (BTs) including tributyltin (TBT) and its degradation product (DBT) and concentrations of heavy metals (Sn, Cu and Zn) were determined in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from some West Algerian harbours. BTs were detected in all the mussels. Quanti?cation of BTs and heavy metals was carried respectively by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, flame AAS. Concentrations of total butyltin (BTs: DBT + TBT) in mussels ranged from 0.49 to 2438 ng/g wet wt. The concentrations (μg/g wet wt) of heavy metals ranged from 0.40 to 3.55 for Sn, 9.62 to 67.03 for Cu, and 87.13 to 731.51 for Zn. Total of tin in mussels ranged from 0.2 to 1054.78 ng/g. Higher concentrations of butyltin compounds were found in mussels collected from Mers El Kebir shipyard, Arzew, a petroleum harbour (industrial), and Beni Saf fishing harbour. This suggested that maritime activities nearby the harbours play a major role as the source of BTs. Indeed, harbour of Arzew is frequented by voluminous tanker. TBT was the predominant compound in mussels collected from almost all the sampling locations; indicate the fresh input of TBT in harbours.

Pheromone synthesis in a biomicroreactor coated with anti-adsorption polyelectrolyte multilayer.

To prepare a biosynthetic module in an infochemical communication project, we designed a silicon/glass microreactor with anti-adsorption polyelectrolyte multilayer coating and immobilized alcohol acetyl transferase (atf), one of the key biosynthetic enzymes of the pheromone of Spodoptera littoralis, on agarose beads inside. The system reproduces the last step of the biosynthesis in which the precursor diene alcohol (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienol is transformed into the major component (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate. The scope of this study was to analyze and implement a multilayer, anti-adsorption coating based on layer-by-layer deposition of polyethylenimine/dextransulfate sodium salt (PEI/DSS). The multilayers were composed of two PEI with molecular weights 750 and 1.2 kDa at pH 9.2 or 6.0. Growth, morphology, and stability of the layers were analyzed by ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The anti-adsorption functionality of the multilayer inside the microreactor was validated. The activity of His(6)-(atf) was measured by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS).

VOLATILE COMPOUNDS IN UMBU (SPONDIAS TUBEROSA ARRUDA CÂMARA) FRUITS DURING MATURATION

The determination of aroma compounds in food products is quite complex as most of the volatile compounds responsible for characteristic aroma are present in very small concentrations (mostly in the range of ppm or ppb). However, with the modern instrumental techniques of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, this objective is being achieved. The umbu fruit is very much appreciated in the north and northeast region of Brazil mainly because of its refreshing and a little acidic flavor. There is no report on changes in volatiles composition during maturation of the fruit. It was therefore the objective of this work to determine the volatiles constituents in half ripe and ripe stages of umbu fruit. The volatile compounds were extracted through a simultaneous solvent distillation and extraction process by using 100 g of pulp of ripe umbu fruit diluted with 100 ml of water which was extracted with 20 ml of n-hexane for 80 min in Likens and Nickerson's apparatus. Volatile compounds were analyzed in a system of high resolution gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Identification of volatile components was achieved when the mass spectrum and retention index data of the identified compound matched with that of the authentic standard run under identical conditions. A total of 148 and 159 volatile compounds were detected in half ripe and ripe fruit pulp, respectively. The principal volatile compounds identified in the ripe umbu fruit pulp were limonene, 1-heptanol, 2-pentanol, 3-hexanol, 1-nonanol, 2-octanol; 2-nonanol, 2,2-dimethyl 4-octenal, 3-methylethyl 2-butanoate, butyl benzoate, 3-allyl cyclohexene, 2-acetyl furan, 1-penten-3-one, 3-hexanone, 5-methyl furfural, 2-hexyl furan, β-caryophyllene and methyl-pyrazine.

Kinetics of adsorptive removal of DEClP and GB on impregnated Al2O3 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of AP-Al(2)O(3) (aero-gel produced alumina) have been produced by an alkoxide based synthesis involving aluminum powder, methanol, toluene and water. Thus produced alumina nanoparticles were characterized and the data indicated the formation of nanoparticles of alumina in the size range of 2-30 nm with high surface area (375 m(2)/g). Thereafter, these nanoparticles were impregnated with reactive chemicals. Adsorptive removal kinetics for DEClP (diethylchlorophosphate) and GB (isopropylmethylphosphonofluoridate, sarin) was monitored by GC-FID (gas chromatograph coupled with flame ionization detector) technique and found to be following pseudo first order reaction kinetics. Among impregnated AP-Al(2)O(3) nanoparticles based sorbent systems AP-Al(2)O(3) impregnated with 9-molybdo-3-vanadophosphoric acid (10%, w/w) was found to be the most reactive with least half-life values of 7 and 30 min for the removal of DEClP and GB, respectively, whereas unimpregnated AP-Al(2)O(3) nanoparticles showed the best adsorption potential among all studied systems. In addition to this, hydrolysis reaction {identified using GC/MS (gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer) technique} was found to be the route of degradation of DEClP and GB on impregnated alumina nanoparticles.

Thermal degradation of CTAB in as-synthesized MCM-41

Thermal evacuation of a surfactant template from pure siliceous MCM-41 and MCM-41 containing aluminium in hydrogen flow was investigated. Micelle templated MCM-41 were prepared using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The products of thermal surfactant degradation outside and inside pores were identified at various temperatures using 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and temperature programmed desorption coupled with mass spectrometer (TPD-MS). The GC-MS and 13C MAS NMR results obtained from this study provide an insight into the mechanism of surfactant transformation during MCM-41 synthesis on molecular level.

Occurrence of organic contaminants in sewage sludges from eleven wastewater treatment plants, China

This study presents the occurrence of 43 semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) listed as priority pollutants by both China and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in sewage sludges collected from eleven wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of mainland and Hong Kong, China. Thirty-six SVOCs were detected by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and at least 14 in each sample. The most abundant compounds were phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with total concentrations ranging from 10 to 114mgkg(-1) dry weight (d.w.) (with a mean of 30mgkg(-1) d.w.) and from 1.4 to 33mgkg(-1)d.w. (with a mean of 16mgkg(-1) d.w.), respectively, followed by chlorobenzenes, nitroaromatics, haloethers and halogenated hydrocarbons which occurred generally at concentrations lower than 10mgkg(-1) d.w. Large variations were observed between the concentrations of individual compounds as well as their total concentrations in sludge samples from different WWTPs. The highest values of sum concentration of 16 PAHs and of 6 PAEs were found in sewage sludge from Beijing. The mean total concentration of each class of SVOCs in sewage sludge from mainland was remarkably higher than that from Hong Kong. The concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in 91% sludge samples met the limit (100mgkg(-1)d.w.) proposed by the Europe Union for land application, whereas the PAH concentrations of 64% sludge samples exceeded the maximum permissible concentration (6.0mgkg(-1)d.w.). The occurrence of SVOCs in this study are compared with other studies and their sources are discussed.

Organic markers in the lipidic fraction of sewage sludges

The lipidic organic fraction of 48 sewage sludges that originated from food-processing, paper-mill and domestic (urban, small urban, and rural) wastewater-treatment plants of the Lorraine region (Northeast of France) was characterised by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). This study enables us to define an average organic composition typical of each group of sewage sludges. Linear alkyl benzenes (LABs) are only present in domestic sludges, sterols in food-processing and domestic sludges. Paper-mill sludges are characterised by the specific distribution of n-alkanes. Besides, all the domestic sludges, whatever the size of the wastewater catchment, are characterised by the same distribution of polar compounds. Differences can be evidenced in the distribution of the aliphatic compounds of some domestic sewage sludges and are attributed to the important contribution of petroleum products in their sewer system. Moreover, this study highlights the correlation between abundance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the aromatic fraction of some sewage sludges and a distribution of n-alkanes characteristic of heavy petroleum products into the corresponding aliphatic fraction. This might be a clue for the determination of punctual sources of PAHs.