Sensitive and reproducible analysis of 16 polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography – triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)

Importance of Topic

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants formed by incomplete combustion. They pose carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting risks and are monitored worldwide in soil, water, air, and food. Sensitive, high-throughput analytical methods are essential to ensure compliance with regulatory limits and protect public health.

Goals and Overview

This study evaluates the performance of the Thermo Scientific TRACE 1610 GC coupled with the TSQ 9610 triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS system under routine high-throughput conditions. The focus is on achieving sensitive and reproducible quantification of 16 regulated PAHs.

Použitá instrumentace

• TRACE 1610 gas chromatograph
• TSQ 9610 triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS
• Advance Electron Ionization (AEI) source with NeverVent technology
• TriPlus RSH autosampler
• iConnect programmable temperature vaporizing (PTV) injector with backflush
• TraceGOLD TG-PAH capillary column (40 m × 0.18 mm × 0.07 μm)

Methodology

An eleven-point calibration curve (0.0005–1.0000 μg/mL) was prepared in nonane and spiked with deuterated internal standards. Samples were injected in splitless mode (2.5 μL) using a PTV injector. The GC oven program ramped from 60 °C to 340 °C. MS/MS detection employed timed SRM with at least three transitions per compound. Data acquisition and processing were performed in Chromeleon CDS software.

Main Results and Discussion

• Chromatographic separation achieved resolution >1 even for critical isomeric pairs (e.g., benzo[k]fluoranthene/benzo[j]fluoranthene).
• Linearity over four orders of magnitude with R² between 0.9955 and 0.9996.
• Instrument detection limits ranged from 0.0001 to 0.0005 μg/mL.
• Repeatability showed RSD <10% at medium and high levels; only one compound slightly exceeded 10% at 0.001 μg/mL.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High sensitivity and wide dynamic range suitable for trace analysis.
• Robust AEI source and NeverVent design reduce downtime and maintenance.
• High-throughput capability supports routine monitoring in environmental and food safety laboratories.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Continuous improvements in ion source technology, automation, and data workflows are expected. Expansion to multi-residue analysis, integration with real-time monitoring, and adaptation to green analytical methodologies will further enhance laboratory efficiency and sustainability.

Conclusion

The combination of TRACE 1610 GC and TSQ 9610 GC-MS/MS provides a robust, sensitive, and reproducible approach for quantitative PAH analysis. The system meets stringent regulatory requirements and supports high-throughput laboratory operations with minimal interruptions.

Reference

1. Mojiri A, Zhou JL, Ohashi A, Ozaki N, Kindaichi T. Comprehensive review of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water sources, their effects and treatments. Sci Total Environ. 2019;696:133971.
2. Lawal AT. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: A review. Cogent Environ Sci. 2017;3(1):1339841.
3. Li-bin L, Yan L, Jin-ming L, Ning T, Kazuichi H, Tsuneaki M. Development of analytical methods for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in airborne particulates: A review. J Environ Sci. 2007;19(1):1-1.
4. Duedahl-Olesen L. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foods. In: Persistent Organic Pollutants and Toxic Metals in Foods. Elsevier; 2013:308–333.
5. Skoczyńska E, de Boer J. Retention behaviour of alkylated and non-alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on different types of stationary phases in gas chromatography. Separations. 2019;6(1).
6. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Practical determination and validation of instrument detection limit of Thermo Scientific ISQ LT Single Quadrupole GC-MS. Technical Note 10499.
7. European Pharmacopoeia 9.0. Council of Europe; 2016. General chapter 2.2.46.