Rapid determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sewage sludges using microwave-assisted solvent...

The presence of toxic organic micropollutants in municipal sewage sludges is a major problem on account of risks associated with the agricultural use of the sludges and therefore maximum tolerance limits are imposed. The aim of our study was to develop a reliable and fast analytical procedure for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sewage sludges, using focused microwave-assisted extraction. Optimization of the extraction conditions was performed on real matrices. The results of a 2(3) factorial design showed that extraction time was the only influential factor. The selected conditions (30 W, 10 min, 30 ml solvent) were used for real sludges and a certified marine sediment, leading to recoveries of between 56 and 75%. Results of an interlaboratory test confirmed these values. Finally, the technique was compared to traditional techniques (Soxhlet, sonication), and the more recent pressurized liquid extraction technique. Focused microwave-assisted extraction remains an attractive alternative technique due to its rapidity, the low solvent volume required and its moderate investment cost.