On-site solid phase extraction and coupled-column high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water

Six PAH compounds were determined in water using a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. The procedure involved on-site, off-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) of the PAH on a selective sample column (copper phthalocyanine-modified silica, 30-40 um) using a new device (trademark registered), transport and integration of the loaded sample column into a HPLC-system, and coupled-column HPLC-analysis. The sample column was integrated in such a way that clean-up was done in the opposite flow direction applied during on-site SPE. Optimized conditions of eluent compositions, switching-valve positions and procedures of the coupled-column analysis of the 6 PAH after on-site SPE are given in table form. Reliable quantitation of the PAH at the low ng per litre level was achieved in particle-free and particle-containing surface water. Irreproducible losses of analytes (adsorption to walls of vessels and tubes) during SPE, transport and storage of water samples were prevented by the addition of an organic modifier and on-site trace enrichment. There are 35 references.