Optimization of microwave-assisted solvent extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediments using a microwave extraction system with high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

In the present study, a microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) technique using a microwave extraction system (MES) has been developed for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from marine sediment. The optimum MASE conditions can be obtained by performing the mixed-level orthogonal array design (OAD) procedure. A comparison between the Soxhlet extraction method and the MASE technique showed that although both techniques gave comparable results on certified reference materials (CRM) HS-4 and HS-6, the MASE technique allows the use of less solvent and is also time-saving and cost-effective without affecting its extraction efficiency. The optimum MASE technique was coupled to two analytical techniques: high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with both ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescence detectors and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the qualitative and quantitative screening of PAHs in CRM and “real world” samples. Recoveries of PAHs from two CRMs were all above 73.3%. The concentration of PAHs in marine sediment collected from primary industrial areas was between 0.03 and 0.35 μg/g on a dry weight basis.