Determination of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and some related compounds in industrial waste oils by GPC-HPLC-UV

Abstract

The determination of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in industrial waste oils was studied. The optimized procedure consisted in using low pressure gel permeation chromatography to separate the fraction containing PAHs and PCBs from the matrix. Both groups of contaminants were further fractionated on a small column of 3% deactivated alumina, using hexane to elute the PCB fraction and then hexane–dichloromethane (95 + 5) to elute PAHs. The final analysis was carried out by HPLC on a 2(1-pyrenyl)ethyldimethylsilica column with hexane as mobile phase in the isocratic mode and with UV detection at three different wavelengths, to quantify 16 priority PAHs. Recoveries were between 89 and 99%. Four different industrial waste oil samples were analyzed and the results obtained are discussed.