Routine Analysis of Hydrocarbons, PCB and PAH in Marine Sediments Using Supercritical CO sub(2) Extraction

An automated supercritical fluid extraction system was used to evaluate the extraction of hydrocarbons, PCBs, and PAHs in marine sediments using pure supercritical carbon dioxide and CO sub(2) modified with methanol. The sulfur contained in the sediments was removed during the extraction step using activated copper. Supercritical fluid extraction results were compared to those using conventional solvent extraction. Results showed that the extraction efficiency of the system employing supercritical CO sub(2) modified with methanol was similar to that achieved using conventional methods, but the amount of solvents used was reduced using the supercritical fluid method.