Determination of PCB, PAH and Chlorophenols in Water using Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction

The analysis of environmentally relevant substances like polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) or chlorophenols is still an important task for environmental laboratories. The first step in the analytical determination in the lab is the application of suitable sample preparation procedures to separate the substances of interest from complex matrices and / or to transfer them into measurable compounds. Normally classical methods such as solid-liquid-extraction (e.g. sonication or soxhlett) are used. The determination of PCB, PAH and chlorophenols is done according to DIN regulation DIN 38407-3 /1/ or EPA regulation EPA method 625 /2/. Both methods require the extraction of large sample volumes, concentration of the extract prior to analytical measurement, and the use high amounts of partially toxic organic solvents. Furthermore, these steps are very time consuming and thus cost intensive.