This application note describes a GC/MS method that resolves all EU and EPA PAHs, and their known interferences, with the Select PAH column in a single run. The method uses enhanced column selectivity and an optimized oven program to resolve all PAHs, including those that co-elute with other PAHs.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are difficult to analyze due to co-elution issues with standard GC/MS methods. This document presents a solution using the Agilent Select PAH column combined with an optimized oven program to separate these compounds effectively.
The note details the specific chromatographic conditions required, including temperature programming and carrier gas flow. It provides data demonstrating the resolution of difficult-to-separate isomers such as benzofluoranthene and dibenzopyrenes, covering both European (EU) and American (EPA 610) regulatory lists.
The small dimensions of this column delivered a fast runtime of just 29 minutes.
The oven program reaches a final hold at 350 °C for 4 minutes.
The injection volume used in this method is 1.0 pL.