PAHs

Importance of the Topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent environmental pollutants formed by incomplete combustion of organic matter. Their toxicity and potential carcinogenicity make reliable detection and quantification essential for environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates the separation of 16 priority PAHs in a single 40-minute gas chromatographic run. The primary aim is to showcase the performance of the Agilent VF-17ms capillary column in achieving baseline resolution of all target analytes for routine environmental analysis.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The method employs gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Key operating parameters include:

• Column: Agilent VF-17ms, 30 m × 0.25 mm ID, 0.25 μm film thickness
• Oven program: initial 50 °C ramped at 10 °C/min to 300 °C
• Carrier gas: helium at 70 kPa constant pressure
• Injection: split mode (1:100), 1 μL sample volume
• Detector: flame ionization detector (FID)
• Analyte concentration: 200 µg/mL standard mixture

Main Results and Discussion

The VF-17ms column effectively resolved all 16 EPA-priority PAHs, including low-molecular-weight species (e.g., naphthalene, acenaphthylene) and high-molecular-weight compounds (e.g., benzo(g,h,i)perylene), within a 40-minute run. Chromatographic peaks were sharp and symmetric, demonstrating excellent column efficiency and minimal peak overlap. The temperature program provided optimal retention times and clean baseline separation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive analysis of US EPA PAH list in a single run
• High throughput with a total analysis time under 45 minutes
• Robust method suitable for routine environmental and regulatory laboratories
• Reliable quantitation using FID with broad linear dynamic range

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in GC column coatings and high-performance detectors may further reduce run times and improve sensitivity. Coupling VF-17ms columns with mass spectrometric detection can enhance selectivity and lower detection limits, supporting trace-level monitoring in complex matrices.

Conclusion

The Agilent VF-17ms column combined with GC-FID provides a robust, high-resolution method for rapid separation of 16 priority PAHs. Its efficiency and reliability make it an excellent choice for environmental monitoring and compliance testing.