Development and Evaluation of Ultrasound-Assisted Solvent Extraction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Membrane-Packed Biota Samples Followed by GC–MS/MS Analysis

In this study, a new method was developed for extraction and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in biota samples. The biota samples were packed inside a porous membrane bag and subjected to ultrasonication-assisted solvent extraction. This method showed good applicability to both low and high sample weights. The effect of various parameters such as type and volume of extraction solvent, ultrasonication time, sample weight, and dimensions of extraction device on extraction performance was evaluated. The developed method showed a good linear range from 12.5 to 100 ng/g for all the selected analytes with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9907 to 0.9999. The limits of detection ranged from 0.97 to 3.47 ng/g. The method’s precision was assessed based on relative standard deviations, which were below 13.5% indicating an acceptable precision. The developed procedure used for determination of PAHs in biota samples is characterized by many positive features. The packing of dried biota samples inside the membrane bag is advantageous because it eliminates several steps such as filtration or centrifugation and further extract purification. As the samples are protected inside the membrane bag, they can be easily separated from the solvent extract after the completion of the extraction process by simply removing the membrane bag. Moreover, the membrane may hinder the transportation of macromolecules to the extract, thus resulting in a relatively cleaner extract. Due to its simplicity and excellent figures of merit, this method presents a better potential for routine analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biota samples.