Determination of parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in biota and sediment.

Abstract

This document provides advice on the analysis of parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in total sediment, sieved fractions, suspended particulate matter, and biota (shellfish). The determination of parent and alkylated PAHs in sediment and biota includes extraction with organic solvents, clean‐up, and analysis by gas chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Advice is given on the treatment and storage of samples. Extraction and clean‐up methods commonly used are described. GC‐MS is the only recommended method for the analysis of both parent and alkylated PAHs and advice is provided on standards and calibration. All steps in the procedure are susceptible to insufficient recovery and/or contamination. Quality‐control procedures are recommended to check the performance of the method. These guidelines are intended to encourage and assist analytical chemists to reconsider their methods critically and to improve their procedures and/or the associated quality‐control measures, where necessary.