In situ extraction/preconcentration of PCBs and PAHs from aqueous samples using polytetrafluoroethylene tubing

Abstract

In situ extraction/preconcentration of organics from water samples was accomplished using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubing. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were concentrated inside the tubing by flowing aqueous samples through it. The adsorbed PCBs and PAHs were then recovered by solvent desorption. The eluent was subsequently analyzed using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) or gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Multiple samples were simultaneously processed to concentrate organics onto several PTFE tubings. Analyses of seawater and surface microlayers using this technique demonstrated that organics in the surface microlayers were elevated with respect to those in the water column, consistent with previous findings.