Fast separation of EU and EPA Regulated PAHs on Agilent J&W FactorFour VF-17ms for PAH

Importance of the Topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental and food contaminants formed during incomplete combustion of organic matter. Their toxicity and regulatory limits drive the need for reliable analytical methods. Differences between European Union (EU) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PAH target lists often require separate analyses, increasing workload. A streamlined method that can separate both EU and EPA regulated PAHs in a single run enhances laboratory productivity and compliance.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note demonstrates a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method employing the Agilent FactorFour VF-17ms for PAH column to achieve rapid, high-resolution separation of both EU and EPA PAH lists in under 30 minutes. The study addresses challenges in resolving isomeric PAH groups with identical or very similar mass-to-charge ratios (m/z).

Methodology and Instrumentation

A GC/MS system was configured as follows:

• Column: Agilent J&W FactorFour VF-17ms for PAH, 20 m × 0.15 mm i.d., 0.05 µm film thickness
• Oven program: 70 °C (0.5 min) → 70 °C/min to 180 °C (1 min) → 5 °C/min to 245 °C (1 min) → 4 °C/min to 270 °C (1.5 min) → 15 °C/min to 350 °C
• Carrier gas: Helium, constant flow 1.0 mL/min
• Injector: 300 °C, splitless injection of 1 µL sample (~1 µg/mL)
• Detector: Quadrupole MS with electron ionization, SIM mode; source at 275 °C, transfer line at 300 °C

Main Results and Discussion

The VF-17ms for PAH column delivered near baseline resolution for all 16 EU and 27 EPA PAHs within a 30-minute runtime. Key separations include:

• m/z 226 vs. 228 isomers (e.g., Benz(a)anthracene vs. Chrysene/Triphenylene)
• Benzofluoranthene isomers at m/z 252 (b, j, k positions)
• High-mass isomers at m/z 276 and 278 (Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, Benzo(b)triphenylene, Dibenz(a,h)anthracene)

Triphenylene, although not regulated, co-elutes closely with Chrysene and may produce false positives if not chromatographically resolved. The optimized temperature program and column selectivity mitigate this risk.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This single-run method simplifies workflows by combining EU and EPA PAH analyses, reducing sample turnaround time and instrument usage. Laboratories engaged in environmental monitoring and food safety benefit from consistent, reproducible quantitation of priority PAHs, improved throughput, and minimized risk of misidentification.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include coupling this column chemistry with faster MS detectors or high-resolution mass spectrometry for enhanced sensitivity. Further optimization could focus on even shorter runtimes, expanded analyte panels, and integration with automated sample preparation to support high-throughput screening in regulatory and research settings.

Conclusion

The Agilent FactorFour VF-17ms for PAH column achieves rapid, high-resolution separation of both EU and EPA regulated PAHs in a single 30-minute GC/MS run. The method provides reliable isomer resolution, streamlines laboratory operations, and supports compliance with international regulations.

References

• FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, Sixty-fourth Meeting, Rome, 8–17 February 2005.
• European Commission Joint Research Centre, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Factsheet, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements.