Miniaturisated method for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in leaf samples

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant environmental pollutants.
• Monitoring PAHs in complex matrices often involves lengthy and costly sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified and efficient method for monitoring 16 priority PAHs.
• To utilize tree leaves as passive samplers for PAH analysis.

Main Methods:

• Mini-ultrasonic probe extraction coupled with reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) and fluorescence (FL) detection.
• Optimized extraction variables using full factorial and central composite designs.
• Utilized a C18 column for PAH separation within 19 minutes.

Main Results:

• Successfully monitored 16 priority PAHs with minimal sample (50 mg) and solvent (1 mL) requirements.
• Eliminated the need for a sample clean-up step, significantly reducing preparation time and cost.
• Validated the method using a Certified Reference Material and comparison with a previous method.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers a cost-effective and time-efficient approach for PAH monitoring.
• Tree leaves serve as effective passive samplers for environmental PAH assessment.
• This methodology simplifies PAH determination in complex matrices like tree leaves.