A SIMPLE ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY FOR MULTIRESIDUE POLLUTANTS DETERMINATIONS

A simple analytical methodology based on supercritical fluid extraction and carbon adsorbent traps was evaluated. The methodology provided good accuracy and precision for organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, selected polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and thiophosphate insecticides. The application of supercritical CO2 provides a selective and efficient means for extraction of these pollutants from varied environmental matrices. The use of carbon (suspend on glass fiber) traps permits efficient trapping of analytes. The adsorbed analytes can then be fractionated with suitable solvents. In the present study, average recoveries for most organochlorines ranged from 90-95%. Recovery for PAHs and thiophosphates was found to be dependent on aromaticity and polarity of the molecules.