Validation of RP-UHPLC Method for Quantitative Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Soil

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants composed of two or more fused aromatic rings, which are characterized by low water solubility, low vapor pressure, and high melting and boiling points, depending on their structures. Due to the lipophilic nature of these compounds, they are strongly adsorbed by soil and sediments. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has declared 16 PAHs as priority pollutants in 1983 based on their existence of highest concentrations, greater exposure and toxicity. The purpose of this article is to validate a method for determining ten PAHs in soil by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography with UV-VIS detection. The evaluated performance parameters are: selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), limit of repeatability (r), recovery (R) and uncertainty of measurement (U). LOD ranged between 0.02 mg/mL and 0.3 mg/mL, LOQ ranged between 0.2 mg/mL and 0.95 mg/mL. The recovery values ranged between 75.4% for benzo(b) fluoranthen and 89.8% for chrysene. These values were established using a soil reference material which was extracted with hexane/acetone using a Soxhlet method. The PAH compounds were separated using a nonpolar stationary phase column and were determined by liquid chromatography with Array Diode Detector at 254 nm.