Screening potential of solid-phase extraction and solid surface room temperature fluorimetry for polycyclic aromatic...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant environmental pollutants.
• Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for water quality monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the analytical potential of solid-phase extraction (SPE) combined with room temperature fluorimetry for PAH screening in water.
• To establish a sensitive and efficient method for detecting PAHs at low concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Solid-phase extraction (SPE) using a syringe procedure.
• Room temperature fluorimetry measurements directly on the extraction membrane.
• Quantitative determination of benzo(a)pyrene using a commercial spectrofluorimeter.

Main Results:

• Achieved limits of detection at the picogram per milliliter (pg mL(-1)) level for several PAHs.
• Quantitatively determined benzo(a)pyrene at 5 pg mL(-1), comparable to laser-induced fluorimetry.
• Demonstrated the ability to adjust extracted water volume to overcome instrumental detection limits.
• Showcased selective excitation for identifying benzo(a)pyrene in complex mixtures and spiked water samples.

Conclusions:

• SPE coupled with room temperature fluorimetry offers a simple, rapid, and advantageous approach for sensitive PAH screening in water.
• The method allows for enhanced detection limits by adjusting sample volume.
• Selective excitation provides sufficient specificity for identifying target PAHs in environmental samples.