Determination of Alkyl Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Dustfall by Supercritical Fluid Extraction Followed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrum

A method of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrum was developed for the determination of alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (APAHs) in dustfall. Extraction parameters including pressure, temperature and time were optimized by orthogonal experimental design. Recovery fell into the range of 73.6%–105.0%, and was prior to the efficiency of ultrasonic extraction. Forty-one 2–4-ring APAHs homologues were detected from dustfall samples. The concentrations of total APAHs were about 2 μg g−1. The ratios of APAHs/TPAHs (PAHs + APAHs) altered from 19.8% to 24.8%. Source analysis indicated that APAHs originated from combustion.