Molecular chemical characterization of organic aerosols using QuEChERS-like extraction approach : application to PAHs and their nitrated and oxygenated derivatives (NPAHs and OPAHs)

Abstract : Alternative extraction procedures based on a QuEChERS approach (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe) were developed for the measurement of PAHs and PAH derivatives (nitrated and oxygenated PAHs) associated to particulate matter from ambient air or combustion processes. The procedures are based on a short mechanical agitation (vortex) using a small volume of solvent (< 10 ml) and including, if necessary, a purification step by solid phase extraction (SPE) or dispersive-SPE (d-SPE). Different extraction parameters were optimized such as agitation time, solvent nature, adsorbent for clean-up. Equivalent extraction efficiencies were obtained when comparing the QuEChERS-like and the commonly used pressurized solvent extraction procedures (PLE) for ambient air and emission (wood combustion) filter samples.