Solid-phase extraction with C30 bonded silica for analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in airborne particulate matters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A solid-phase extraction (SPE) method using triacontyl bonded silica (C30) as sorbent was developed for the determination of 16 US Environmental Protection Agency polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in airborne particulate matters quantitatively by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Optimization experiments were conducted using spiked standard aqueous solution of PAHs and real airborne particulates samples aiming to obtain highest SPE recoveries and extraction efficiency. Factors were studied in SPE procedures including the concentration of organic modifier, flow rate of sample loading and elution solvents. The ultrasonication time and solvents were also investigated. Recoveries were in the range of 68–107% for standard PAHs aqueous solution and 61–116% for real spiked sample. Limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) with standard solution were in the range of 0.0070–0.21 μg L−1 and 0.022–0.67 μg L−1, respectively. The optimized method was successfully applied to the determination of 16 PAHs in real airborne particulate matters.