Fast Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by HPLC-UV

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of nonpolar organic molecules containing two or more benzene rings. PAHs are released from the incomplete combustion of organic fuels, and they generally occur as complex mixtures in our food and environment. Although not all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are known to have detrimental health effects, several PAHs have been demonstrated to be toxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic. To protect human health, many organizations have mandated exposure limits for PAHs. Air, water, soil, and food samples are commonly tested globally; however, the list of target compounds varies widely around the world. Many HPLC methods recommend a C18 column, but analysis times can be long (~30 minutes) and target analytes are not always completely resolved.