Fast and precise SBSE-HPTLC/FLD method for quantification of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons frequently found in water

The newly developed SBSE-HPTLC/FLD method for analysis of PAH was focused on rapidness, cost-effectiveness, and the usage of more environmentally friendly, chlorine-free solvents. The sample preparation was streamlined and allowed 30 water samples to be extracted and analyzed within a routine working day. The validation showed that this method was reliable for control of the limit levels for benzo[a]pyrene (10 ng/L) and for the sum of benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[ghi]perylene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (100 ng/L) in drinking, mineral, ground, or slightly to moderately contaminated surface water. Starting around the LOQ (0.08-0.44 ng/band depending on the PAH) the linearity showed coefficients of correlation >= 0.9920. The repeatabilities (%RSD, n = 3 at 10-58 ng/L depending on the PAH) using the same twister ranged between 0.4 and 6.3% and using 3 different twisters between 0.8 and 7.0%. Respective recoveries (n = 3) using the same twister were between 87-100% depending on the PAHs, using 3 different twisters between 77-103%. Moreover digital quantification proved to be a rapid and reliable alternative to conventional scanning.