Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore HPLC Column

Importance of the Topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental contaminants arising from both natural processes and human activities. Due to their persistence, toxicity and potential carcinogenicity, reliable analytical methods for their detection and quantification are essential for environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance and risk assessment.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note evaluates the performance of a Thermo Scientific Accucore RP-MS column, featuring Core Enhanced Technology, for the separation of sixteen priority PAHs defined by EPA Method 610. The goal is to achieve rapid, high-resolution separations with low backpressure and excellent reproducibility.

Methodology

The study employed a gradient elution program using a ternary solvent system: water (A), methanol (B), and acetonitrile (C). The optimized gradient increased organic strength from 40% B/20% C to 100% C over 20 minutes. Superficially porous 2.6 μm particles ensured high efficiency and reduced secondary interactions, yielding sharp peaks and minimal tailing.

Instrumentation Used

• Thermo Scientific Accela UHPLC System operated at 460 bar maximum pressure
• Accucore RP-MS column, 150 mm × 2.1 mm, 2.6 μm superficially porous silica
• UV detector set to 254 nm
• Injection volume: 2 μL; flow rate: 0.4 mL/min; column temperature: 25 °C

Key Results and Discussion

The sixteen PAHs were baseline resolved in approximately sixteen minutes. Retention times spanned from 4.26 minutes (naphthalene) to 15.81 minutes (benzo(ghi)perylene). Method precision, expressed as %RSD on retention time from six replicate injections, remained below 0.6% for all analytes, demonstrating excellent reproducibility. The superficially porous particle technology contributed to lower system backpressure compared to fully porous sub-2 μm materials.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Accucore RP-MS column offers rapid throughput and high chromatographic efficiency while maintaining manageable backpressures. Its robust phase chemistry reduces secondary interactions, making it well suited for routine environmental analysis of PAHs in soil, sediment and other complex matrices.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Further advances may include coupling of superficially porous particle columns to tandem mass spectrometry for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Continued development of core-shell particle technology promises even faster separations with minimal pressure increases, supporting high-throughput screening in regulatory and industrial laboratories.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Accucore RP-MS column successfully separated sixteen EPA-listed PAHs in under sixteen minutes with excellent peak shape and reproducibility. Core Enhanced Technology delivers a powerful tool for environmental laboratories requiring fast, reliable PAH analysis.

References

• United States Environmental Protection Agency. Method 610: Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific. Application Note ANCCSCETPAHS: Analysis of PAHs Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore HPLC Column.