scope:

This European Standard specifies the quantitative determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)-see table1 in soil, sludge, sediments, suspended solids and treated bio-waste using GC/MS and HPLC-UV-DAD/FLD covering a wide range of PAH contamination levels (see also annex A). When using fluorescence detection acenaphthylene cannot be measured. The GC-MS part of this European Standard is applicable to waste. The limit of detection is dependent on the determinants, the equipment used, the quality of chemicals used for the extraction of the sample and the clean up of the extract. Typically a lower limit of application of 0,01 mg/kg (expressed as dry matter) may be ensured for each individual PAH. This is instrument and sample dependent. Waste, sludge and soil may differ in properties and also in the expected contamination levels of PAHs and presence of interfering substances. These differences make it impossible to describe one general procedure. This European Standard contains decision tables based on the properties of the sample and the extraction and clean up procedure to be used. Two general lines are followed, an agitation procedure (shaking) or use of Soxhlet/pressurised liquid extraction. This method is "performance based". It is permitted to modify the method to overcome interferences not foreseen in this European Standard, provided that all performance criteria mentioned in this European Standard are met. NOTE With this method also other PAH compounds can be analysed provided suitability is proven.