Matrix solid phase dispersion method for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in moss

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants.
• Mosses are effective bioindicators of air pollution.
• Accurate and efficient analysis of PAHs in complex matrices like moss is crucial for environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel method for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) analysis in moss samples.
• To optimize a matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction followed by programmed temperature vaporization-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (PTV-GC-MS/MS).
• To assess the method's performance regarding trueness, precision, and sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction (MSPD).
• Programmed temperature vaporization-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (PTV-GC-MS/MS).
• Method validation using a cultivated Sphagnum palustre L. moss clone.

Main Results:

• The method achieved good trueness (84-116%) and precision (intermediate precision <11%).
• High sensitivity was demonstrated with quantitation limits below 1.7 ng/g.
• Significant reduction in sample amount, solvent volume, and time consumption compared to existing methods.

Conclusions:

• The proposed MSPD-PTV-GC-MS/MS method is a reliable, efficient, and sensitive technique for PAH analysis in moss.
• The method is suitable for air pollution monitoring using moss bioindicators.
• The procedure shows applicability to various moss and lichen species.