Review of progress in solvent-extraction techniques for the determination of polyaromatic hydrocarbons as airborne pollutants

In this review, we concentrate on sample-pretreatment options with the main emphasis on all aspects of solvent extraction prior to GC-based analysis of airborne polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To this end, we review developments in these applications covering many different approaches that have commonly been used or introduced recently. Generally, sample pretreatment comprises (1) solvent extraction of PAHs from filters and sorbents; (2) extract concentration; (3) some form of liquid, or solid, chromatography clean-up; (4) eluent concentration; and (5) injection into a GC for analysis. Recent developments in these areas include: cold-fiber solid-phase microextraction of PAH extracts; the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction technique; and, using vehicle-engine air-intake filters to collect airborne particulate matter. We also discuss some aspects of green chromatography, used in recent years to reduce solvent usage. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.