title: Sequential extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using subcritical water.
abstract: A rapid sequential subcritical (superheated) water extraction method for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated soil and sediment is presented. Decreasing the polarity of water by successive increase of the extraction temperature from 50 degrees C to 200 degrees C at the moderate pressure (10.3MPa) enabled selective, non-exhaustive extractions to be performed. Concurrent with increasing temperatures to 150 degrees C there was an increase in PAH extraction efficiencies. For the majority of determinations no significant differences between extractions at 150 degrees C and 200 degrees C were observed. Varied extraction efficiencies of PAHs at the same extraction conditions reflected dissimilarities between environmental matrices investigated. Selective subcritical water extraction of PAHs was proportional to their octanol-water partition coefficients. This technique may be applicable in evaluation of risks associated with PAH contaminated sites and in assessments of their bioremediation potential.
authors.affiliation: University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences, NR4 7TJ, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: Agnieszka E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Latawiec
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005591:Chemical Fractionation; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000032:analysis; D006358:Hot Temperature; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014867:Water