Validation of an Adapted QuEChERS Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Pesticides in Sediment by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

A Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method has been adapted and validated for the simultaneous analysis of 16 PAHs, 12 PCBs and 9 OCPs in sediment. The sample preparation was adapted by modifying the nature of the extraction solvent, the extraction technique and the amount of sediment. The analytical performances were evaluated in terms of accuracy, linearity and quantification limits. The method was validated by the analysis of a reference marine sediment material (SRM 1941b). The obtained concentrations are in good agreement with the certified values with recoveries ranging 60 %-103 % for most of PAHs. Acceptable recoveries are obtained for PCBs, ranging 76 %-131 %, and for OCPs ranging 81 %-137 %. The method was applied to the analysis of sediments from the hydro-system Bizerte Lagoon/Ichkeul Lake (Tunisia). The Bizerte lagoon is mainly contaminated by PAHs whereas the Ichkeul lake is mainly by OCPs.