Solid phase extraction of PCDDs/PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs from edible oils and fats

We have studied the feasibility of solid phase extraction of PCDDs/PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs from oils and fats as the first step of a sample preparation procedure that would not involve the chemical decomposition of the matrix. A few experimental setups using dual-layer columns packed with various brands of active carbon were tested. The use of a dual-layer microcolumn with AX-21 and Carboxen 1000 carbons for dioxins extraction from animal fats, vegetable oils and powdered milk gave satisfactory recoveries which met the European Union Commission Regulation 2017/644 criteria for dioxin analysis. The developed method of solid phase extraction on a dual-layer carbon column requires lower amounts of solvents and sorbents, tolerates high amounts of fat and can be used in both manual and automated sample preparation procedures. The recoveries obtained for the most toxic congeners (2,3,7,8-TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF) are within 79-119%. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.