Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Analysis in Environmental Samples - Using single quadrupole GC/MS and triple quadrupole GC/MS/MS: Consumables workflow ordering guide

Importance of the topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread organic pollutants arising from fossil fuel use, industrial processes, and combustion. Due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity at trace levels, monitoring PAHs in water, soil, and air is critical for environmental protection and human health.

Objectives and Study Overview

This article reviews workflows for analyzing 16 EPA-regulated PAHs in environmental matrices using single quadrupole GC/MS and triple quadrupole GC/MS/MS. It outlines sample preparation, chromatographic separation, mass spectral detection, and consumable ordering guidance to support reliable quantification and compliance with EPA methods.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Regulatory methods: EPA 625.1 for wastewater, EPA 8270 C/D/E for surface water, groundwater, and solids; EPA 610/8100 for PAH-specific analyses.
• Instrumentation: Agilent single-quad and triple-quad GC/MS systems equipped with high-efficiency columns (Select PAH, DB-UI8270D, DB-EUPAH, DB-5ms UI), JetClean source cleaner, and Intuvo GC options.
• Sample preparation: Liquid–liquid extraction with dichloromethane for routine testing; automated SPME (fibers and Arrows) for trace-level analyses and high throughput.
• Injection parameters: 1–2 µL splitless, 300–320 °C inlet, pulsed splitless trapping, optimized purge times, high column flow rates to minimize discrimination of high molecular weight PAHs.

Main Results and Discussion

High chromatographic resolution of PAH isomers hinges on column selectivity. Select PAH phases provided baseline separation of all critical compounds, including chrysene/triphenylene isomers, within 15–24 minutes. Molecular weight discrimination was minimized by proper inlet temperature, liner selection, and splitless timing. Best practices such as retention gaps, backflushing, insulated heated zones, and continuous source cleaning with hydrogen improved sensitivity, reduced carryover, and extended maintenance intervals.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Unified workflows using standard EPA methods eliminate system reconfigurations and dedicated PAH instruments.
• Enhanced accuracy and lower detection limits support regulatory compliance for drinking water, wastewater, and soil monitoring.
• Automated SPME reduces solvent use, hands-on time, and increases laboratory throughput.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing developments include novel GC stationary phases for faster, higher-resolution separations, ambient ionization techniques for field analysis, further integration of automation and data analytics, and greener sample preparation strategies to reduce solvent consumption.

Conclusion

Optimized GC/MS and GC/MS/MS workflows combined with tailored consumables enable reliable PAH determination across environmental matrices. Adherence to method parameters and best practices ensures data quality, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Instrumentation Used

• Single quadrupole GC/MS systems
• Triple quadrupole GC/MS/MS systems
• High-efficiency GC columns (Select PAH, DB-UI8270D, DB-EUPAH, DB-5ms UI)
• Agilent JetClean continuous source cleaner
• SPME fibers and Arrows on PAL3 platforms

References

1. Hill MK. Understanding Environmental Pollution. 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press; 2010.
2. CDC. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Fact Sheet. CDC Environmental Health; accessed May 2020.