Analytical methods for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides in aquatic environments under oil spill...

Oil and pesticide spills present substantial hazards to aquatic ecosystems. However, analytical methods for the simultaneous monitoring of hydrophobic and hydrophilic contaminants under aforementioned conditions remain limited. This study developed analytical methods for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides in oil-contaminated aquatic environments. For PAHs, polyethylene passive samplers were deployed in oil-contaminated water to assess the reliability of performance reference compounds (PRCs), identifying phenanthrene-d₁₀ as a stable PRC. Both grab and passive sampling were applied for pesticide analysis. A solid-phase extraction and purification method using Pharma FF and InertSep graphite carbon (GC) was developed for reliable quantification of pesticides under oil-contaminated conditions. The purified extracts were analyzable by liquid chromatography- and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The matrix effect of oil was effectively mitigated, ensuring accurate chromatographic analysis. Moreover, the presence of oil enhanced the pesticide uptake by polar organic chemical integrative samplers, plausibly because of increased permeation through oil. These findings provide a methodological basis for the integrated monitoring of chemical spills, aiding timely and comprehensive environmental assessments after contamination events.