A Review on Analytical Methods for Polycylic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Waste Incinerator Ash Samples

 Residual ash from waste incinerators can be reused for different purposes; however, this material can also contain substantial amounts of toxicants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Therefore, several studies on PAHs in ash samples have been performed over the last five decades. This review paper investigated the determination methods of PAHs in incinerator ash samples from available databases, providing insights into trends and improvements in PAH analytical procedures, and referencing information for further studies on this pollutant class in waste from Vietnam. The analytical procedures of PAHs in ash samples usually include main steps such as: i) Sample collection and storage; ii) Sample extraction; iii) Extract treatment and concentration; and iv) Quantitative analysis by gas or liquid chromatography. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has been commonly applied to separate and quantify PAHs because of its high selectivity, high accuracy, and low detection limits. Additional studies on method development and validation for PAHs and their derivatives in waste should be conducted in Vietnam and other developing countries.