Rapid Analysis of 24 Regulated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) on a Zebron™ ZB-PAH-EU GC Column

Significance of the Topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants produced by incomplete combustion processes. Many PAHs exhibit carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic properties, making their reliable detection critical for environmental monitoring, food safety and regulatory compliance. Rapid and accurate analysis of regulated PAHs supports risk assessment and quality control in laboratories worldwide.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note evaluates the performance of the Zebron ZB-PAH-EU GC column for the rapid separation of 24 priority PAHs, combining the EU 15+1 food safety list and the US EPA 610 list. The study aims to optimize column dimensions and temperature programs to achieve complete resolution of critical isomer pairs in minimal run time and to compare performance with competing GC columns.

Methodology

– Sample: Standard mixture of 24 PAHs at 10 ppm in toluene.
– Injection: Split 5:1, 1 μL injection volume at 330 °C.
– Carrier gas: Helium in constant pressure or flow mode, adjusted per column.
– Oven programs: Tailored temperature ramps for each column length to balance separation and analysis time.
– Evaluation: Resolution of critical isomer pairs and total run time measured for columns of 30 m, 20 m and 10 m.

Instrumentation

– Gas chromatograph equipped with a mass selective detector (MSD), scan range 50–500 m/z.
– Zebron PLUS Single Taper Z-Liner for inlet consistency.
– Zebron ZB-PAH-EU columns in various dimensions:

• 30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.20 μm
• 20 m × 0.18 mm × 0.14 μm
• 10 m × 0.10 mm × 0.08 μm

Results and Discussion

The 30 m ZB-PAH-EU column achieved baseline resolution of all 24 PAHs, including challenging isomeric pairs such as benz[a]anthracene/cyclopenta[c,d]pyrene and benzo[k]/benzo[j]fluoranthene, in under 40 minutes. Comparative tests with two popular commercial columns showed longer run times (up to 55 minutes) or incomplete separation of key isomers. The proprietary stationary phase and Engineered Self Cross-linking (ESC™) chemistry provide low bleed, high reproducibility and a maximum operating temperature up to 360 °C, which improves peak shape for high–molecular-weight dibenzopyrene isomers.
Shorter columns further reduced analysis time: the 20 m column completed separation in 27 minutes, and the 10 m column delivered full resolution within just 16 minutes while maintaining critical selectivity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

– High throughput: Rapid analysis suitable for busy environmental, food and QA/QC laboratories.
– Superior selectivity: Reliable separation of isomeric and high-molecular-weight PAHs.
– Robust operation: Low column bleed and stable performance at high temperatures.
– Regulatory compliance: Meets EU and EPA requirements for priority PAH analysis.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances may focus on further miniaturization of GC columns, integration with fast scanning MS detectors and automation to support ultra-high-throughput screening. Development of green carrier gases and microfluidic sampling techniques could reduce solvent use and footprint. Enhanced data processing algorithms and machine-learning models may improve quantification accuracy and predictive maintenance of columns.

Conclusion

The Zebron ZB-PAH-EU GC column series offers unmatched speed and selectivity for regulated PAH analysis. By leveraging proprietary stationary phase chemistry and engineered cross-linking, these columns deliver complete resolution of 24 critical PAHs in as little as 16 minutes, outperforming competitor columns and supporting stringent regulatory and quality control demands.