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Extraction of Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (SVOC) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Soil and Plants

Pubdate:2021-03-08 Click:960

AN number: LA1021
Date:2017-02-27
Revision:1.0

 

    As the extraction might involve the use of hazardous and hot solvent it is strongly recommended to use protective glasses and gloves. The SoxROC Operation Manual chapter 3 Safety should be read before starting any work.

 

INTRODUCTION

This application note addresses the extraction of matters for further gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Soil. These analyses are some of the most common tests performed by environmental laboratories.

Soxhlet and hot solvent extraction are the most common extraction techniques for solid samples. Toluene are often used as extraction solvents and Glass Fiber thimbles might be required for sterilization and removal of hydrocarbons, if these are exceptionally high. 

 

EXPERIMENTAL

Apparatus

Scissors

Analytical balance

Drying oven

Desiccator

 SoxROC Extraction Unit SX-360-A or SX-320-A

Specific Large Cellulose or Glass Microfiber thimbles (40x80 mm)

Extraction cups φ54 mm, aluminum, compatible with the solvent extraction system, allowing lower boiling temperature

Reagents and accessories

Acetone suitable for samples such as Dioxin in Food

Boiling stones

Cotton woo

 

Preparation

A large cellulose thimble (40x80mm) from OPSIS LiquidLINE can contain up to 50g sample, whereas the standard thimble (33x80 mm) typically only fits 30g.

In case there is a concern for contamination then Glass Microfiber Thimbles can be used instead of Cellulose thimbles. Glass microfiber thimbles can be heated in an oven at 550°C. to remove contamination from other organic substances.

Glass Microfiber thimbles shall also be used in case there is a risk that the sample contain same or similar hydrocarbons as cellulose.

 

Procedure

Weigh the sample into a thimble and place a piece of cotton wool on top of the sample.

Carry out the extraction with SoxROC Extraction Unit using the parameters shown in Table 1

Dry the extracts to constant weight in an oven at 100°C for 60 minutes and let cool to room temperature in desiccator.

Continue analysis with GC.

 

Table 1. Extraction parameters (SoxROC Extraction Unit) 

SoxROC configuration

Aluminum cup (SX-023-A)

Sample weight

Depending on thimble and fat content. Max 500 ample in a 40x80 mm thimble, but less is recommended for best results

Solvent

Toluene

Solvent volume

100-150 ml

Temperature

210-220℃  (hiaher if Glass cup is used)

Boiling /number of reduces

20 min/4

Rinsing/number of reduces

40 min/5

Drying

5 min

 

REFERENCES

*This Application Note should be used in conjunction with Application Note LA1002 "Application Guide SoxROC Solvent Extraction"

*OG1012 SoxROC Operation Guide

*US Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Method 3541

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