Some factors affecting SPME analysis and PAHs in Philadelphia's urban waterways

Solid phase microextraction (SPME) opened up a new era in separation science and the technique has developed quickly over the past two decades. However, there are still aspects deserving more study. In this study, the effects of salt-addition, SPME fiber thickness and sample vial size on the analysis of PAHs in the aqueous phase were evaluated. An analytical method based on EPA Method 8272 was devised for the analysis of PAHs in environmental water. PAHs were analyzed in selected waterways of the greater Philadelphia area. The results show the feasible application of this method to determine the range, spatial variation of PAH concentration, composition profile and relationship with dissolved organic matter for the Philadelphia watershed. Based on above information, PAH pollution sources were evaluated along with their dynamic backgrounds. Comparison of PAH concentration in the studied area with those of other urban waterways worldwide shows that PAHs in the studied waterways were found, in this study, to be within the low range of reported concentrations and meet the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). The results also demonstrate that this method is suitable and reliable in monitoring PAH concentrations in environmental water. Published by Elsevier Ltd.