Quantification of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Retention Pond Waters Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The individual quantification of 16 Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in French retention pond water samples is reported. The full analytical protocol including Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and tandem mass spectrometry detection allowed the detection limit in the range of 0.5?5 ng L-1. PAHs quantification is achieved using a seven point calibration plot with internal calibration. Real sample analysis proved that the procedure is convenient for PAHs determination in environmental water. Due to the high levels of PAHs in retention pond waters care must be taken when considering the reuse of such samples.