A preconcentrator-separator two-in-one online system for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons analysis

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant environmental contaminants.
• Accurate detection of trace PAHs in complex matrices like tea is challenging.
• Existing methods often require complex sample preparation and are time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, integrated preconcentration-separation online system for trace PAH analysis.
• To fabricate and characterize a two-in-one micro-unit using ZIF-8-PVA and MWCNTs-PVA cryogels.
• To validate the system's performance for detecting four specific PAHs in tea samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a micro-preconcentrator (ZIF-8-PVA cryogel) and micro-separator (MWCNTs-PVA cryogel) on an acrylic plate.
• Online coupling of the two-in-one system with a UV-visible detector.
• Optimization of analytical conditions and validation using standard solutions and real tea samples.

Main Results:

• Achieved wide linear ranges (0.05–5.00 mgL⁻¹) and low limits of detection (0.05–0.20 µgL⁻¹) for four PAHs.
• Demonstrated excellent system stability (417 injection cycles) and reproducibility (RSD < 4%).
• Successfully quantified PAHs in seven tea samples with good recovery rates (83–108%).

Conclusions:

• The developed two-in-one online system offers a cost-effective, stable, and efficient method for trace PAH determination.
• The system shows high potential for routine analysis of PAHs in food and environmental samples.
• The integrated cryogel-based system is adaptable for detecting other aromatic pollutants in contaminated water.