Analysis of mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using solid-phase microextraction: State-of-the-art

The contamination of petroleum hydrocarbons, especially mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs and PAHs), has been discussed for a long time with regard to environmental and health aspects. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME), as a solvent-free sample preparation technique, has been widely used in environmental analysis. This state-of-the-art summarizes current knowledge regarding analysis of MAHs and PAHs using SPME. General aspects of SPME technique are briefly reviewed, including operating principles, methodologies, applications, and possible problems. The methodology of SPME technique in analysis of MAHs and PAHs in gaseous, liquid, and solid matrices is discussed in detail, covering extraction strategy, optimization of experimental parameters, calibration, and validation as well as analytical instruments connected with SPME. The aim of the paper is to give a concise overview together with general guidelines of MAH and PAH analysis using SPME.