Separation of selected PAHs by using high performance capillary electrophoresis with modifiers

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Separation Science
• Chromatography

Background:

• Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) is a powerful separation technique.
• Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is a common surfactant used in MECC.
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants requiring sensitive detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of varying SDS concentrations in MECC.
• To evaluate the use of γ-cyclodextrin as a modifier in MECC for PAH separation.
• To optimize separation conditions for seven selected PAHs.

Main Methods:

• Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) was employed.
• SDS concentration was systematically varied.
• γ-Cyclodextrin was introduced as a modifier in the electrophoretic medium.
• A phosphate-borate buffer was used.
• Separation of seven selected PAHs was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Varying SDS concentrations influenced MECC performance.
• The addition of γ-cyclodextrin to the SDS-containing buffer resulted in satisfactory separation of the seven PAHs.
• Separation efficiency was notably increased with the inclusion of γ-cyclodextrin.

Conclusions:

• γ-Cyclodextrin is an effective modifier for enhancing PAH separation in SDS-based MECC.
• The combination of SDS and γ-cyclodextrin offers improved separation efficiency for PAHs.
• This method provides a promising approach for the analysis of PAHs.