Screening Methods for PAH (Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon) Priority Pollutants in Wastewater

摘要

A screening method for the determination of total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration in industrial effluents was developed. The method employs solvent extraction, alumina column chromatographic cleanup, and UV absorbance determination. The UV detection step utilizes a bandpass filter in order to obtain more uniform response between the various PAHs. The PAH screening method results and U.S. EPA Method 610 results have been found to be positively correlated for a variety of industrial wastewater samples. The screening method can be performed in approximately one-half to one-third the time required for U.S. EPA Method 610 and requires considerably less expensive equipment.