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

Importance of the Topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are widespread environmental contaminants produced by incomplete combustion of organic materials and pose significant health risks including carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Reliable and rapid analysis of these compounds is essential for environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

The goal of this application note is to demonstrate the efficient separation and quantification of sixteen priority PAHs, as defined by US EPA Method 610, using a core enhanced Thermo Scientific Accucore RP-MS HPLC column. The study evaluates chromatographic performance, reproducibility, and analysis time.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation

• Calibration mix prepared at 10 µg/mL for sixteen PAHs in acetonitrile
• Use of HPLC grade water, methanol and acetonitrile

Chromatographic Conditions

• Instrument Thermo Scientific Accela UHPLC System
• Column Accucore RP-MS 2.6 µm, 150 mm × 2.1 mm
• Mobile phase A water, B methanol, C acetonitrile
• Gradient from 40:40:20 A:B:C to 0:0:100 over 20 minutes
• Flow rate 0.4 mL/min, column temperature 25 °C, injection volume 2 µL
• Detection by UV at 254 nm, operating pressure 460 bar

Results and Discussion

All sixteen PAHs were baseline resolved in approximately sixteen minutes with sharp symmetric peaks. Retention time reproducibility was excellent, with relative standard deviations below 0.6 percent for all analytes. The superficially porous core particles provided high efficiency and reduced secondary interactions, leading to minimal peak tailing.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Accucore RP-MS column offers high throughput analysis with lower backpressure compared to sub-2 µm materials, making it well suited for routine environmental testing laboratories. Its robustness and reproducibility support quality control in soil, sediment and water monitoring workflows.

Future Trends and Applications

Integration with mass spectrometric detection can further enhance sensitivity and selectivity for trace PAH analysis. Advances in column chemistries and UHPLC systems will enable faster screening of broader pollutant classes and on-line coupling with sample preparation techniques.

Conclusion

This study confirms that the Accucore RP-MS HPLC column provides a rapid, efficient and reproducible method for the separation of priority PAHs, supporting environmental laboratories in meeting regulatory and research demands.

Reference

US EPA Method 610 for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons