Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) for the determination of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) in sewage sludge

An efficient microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method has been developed and evaluated for the quantification of eight major polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) in sewage sludge. The PBDEs were extracted from wet and dry sludge in a microwave extraction unit using a hexane/acetone mixture for 35 min at a controlled temperature of 130 °C. The extract was concentrated, cleaned up on a silica gel column, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in the negative chemical ionization (NCI) mode. The MAE procedure exhibited higher extraction efficiency, specifically for BDE (brominated diphenylether) 209, than the conventional Soxhlet extraction. The test congeners were clearly separated under specific instrumental operating conditions, at a source temperature of 230 °C and a column length of 20 m. The present analytical method showed recovery efficiencies ranging from 80 to 110% when applied to the PBDE-free sludge spiked with eight PBDE congeners. The efficiency of the MAE method was confirmed using sludge obtained from four sewage treatment plants (STPs). The results indicate that BDE 47, 99, and 209 are the most abundant congeners present in these sewage sludges, which is consistent with previous reports.     

Comparison of extraction techniques for isolation of steroid oestrogens in environmentally relevant concentrations from sediment

The comparison of four extraction techniques for isolation of five native and one labelled steroid oestrogens from sediment was described. The three conventional extraction techniques Soxhlet warm extraction (SWE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and a promising technique QuEChERS were tested for isolation of low environmentally relevant oestrogen concentrations using different extraction conditions. The least expensive and time-consuming method QuEChERS provided the best extraction recoveries (53–84%) from all techniques. MAE achieved the highest recovery from conventional techniques for less polar oestrogens using dichloromethane: acetone 3:1 mixture as an extraction solvent (50–71%), but for extraction of the whole group of oestrogens including more polar estriol acetone or methanol must be used. ASE provided higher extraction recoveries using dichloromethane at 60°C (53–74%) for less polar oestrogens. However, the repeatability of results was unsatisfactory and recoveries using other extraction conditions were lower than for MAE. The most time-consuming SWE achieved the worst extraction recoveries and for isolation of low oestrogen concentrations from sediments, it is completely unsuitable.     

Comparison of different extraction techniques for the determination of chlorinated pesticides in animal feed

The performances of Soxhlet extraction, dive-in Soxhlet extraction, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), fluidized-bed extraction (FBE), and ultrasonic extraction (UE) for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides in animal feed have been investigated. ASE and MAE provided significantly better extraction efficiency than Soxhlet extraction. The concentrations were 126.7 and 114.8%, respectively, of the values obtained by classical Soxhlet extraction, whereas the results from FBE and dive-in Soxhlet were comparable with those from the standard Soxhlet procedure. The reproducibility of FBE was the best, with RSDs ranging from 0.3 to 3.9%. Under the investigated operation conditions UE was not efficient, with the recoveries of target compounds being about 50% less than Soxhlet. Additionally, the performances of Soxhlet, dive-in Soxhlet, MAE, ASE and FBE were validated by determination of the certified reference material BCR-115. The results from the extraction techniques were in good agreement with the certified values.     

Comparison of accelerated solvent extraction with microwave-assisted extraction and Soxhlet for the extraction of chlorinated biphenyls in soil samples

The extraction and determination of chlorinated biphenyls (CBs) in soils and solid wastes is an ongoing subject of study. This is an overview article that compares the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) techniques. The extraction of CBs by ASE has been optimised taking into account the variation of pressure, temperature and extraction time by means of experimental design and the Simplex approach. The recoveries obtained under the optimum conditions are compared and discussed with those obtained from MAE and Soxhlet extractions.     

Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in marine biological tissues using microwave-assisted extraction

Growing concern on the environmental impact of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has created the need for rapid and quality assured analytical methods to quantify PBDEs in a spectrum of matrix types. This study presents the first validated method for the quantification of major PBDE congeners (47, 99 and 100) in marine biological tissues using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The recovery of polychlorinated biphenyls and various organochlorine pesticides has also been ascertained. Analytical accuracy, precision, limits of detection and cleanup efficiency were evaluated for PBDE congeners, and empirical data justifies the use of MAE for the extraction and analysis of PBDEs in biological matrices. MAE was also compared to Soxhlet extraction efficiency for PBDEs in the standard reference materials SRM2978 and SRM1588a and gave comparable results (<15% variation).     

Extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides from soils: a comparison between Soxhlet extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and accelerated solvent extraction techniques

The methods of simultaneous extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from soils using Soxhlet extraction, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) were established, and the extraction efficiencies using the three methods were systemically compared from procedural blank, limits of detection and quantification, method recovery and reproducibility, method chromatogram and other factors. In addition, soils with different total organic carbon contents were used to test the extraction efficiencies of the three methods. The results showed that the values obtained in this study were comparable with the values reported by other studies. In some respects such as method recovery and reproducibility, there were no significant differences among the three methods for the extraction of PAHs and OCPs. In some respects such as procedural blank and limits of detection and quantification, there were significant differences among the three methods. Overall, ASE had the best extraction efficiency compared to MAE and Soxhlet extraction, and the extraction efficiencies of MAE and Soxhlet extraction were comparable to each other depending on the property such as TOC content of the studied soil. Considering other factors such as solvent consumption and extraction time, ASE and MAE are preferable to Soxhlet extraction.     

贻贝中多氯联苯分析的前处理方法研究

针对分析贻贝中痕量多氯联苯（PCBs），比较了索氏提取（SE）和加速溶剂萃取（ASE）两种提取方法，结果表明SE对贻贝中7种PCBs（PCB28、PCB52、PCB101、PCB118、PCB153、PCB138、PCB180）回收率范围在96％～125％，ASE回收率范围在102％～115％，两者提取效果相当，但与索氏提取相比，加速溶剂萃取是一种怏速、高效的提取方法此外采用凝胶渗透色谱（GPC）分别与Florisil和C18固相萃取（SPE）小柱联用净化，GPC与Florisil柱联用净化的凹收率范围在90％-112％，GPC与C18柱联用净化的回收率范围在74％-108％，结果表明GPC与Florisil柱联增净化优于GPC与C18柱联用净化。     

Microwave-assisted extraction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated naphthalenes concentrated on semipermeable membrane devices

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has been evaluated as an alternative to dialysis for the extraction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) sampled by semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs), using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS).For MAE optimization a two level full factorial design 2³, plus a centre point, which involves 11 randomized runs was used. The results showed that the temperature had a significant influence on the extraction of the nine PBDEs and four PCNs tested. Also, the solvent volume had a positive influence on the extraction of PBDEs and PCNs, but only in latter compounds, it achieves statistical significance. The time had only statistical significance for the most volatile specie studied, PCN-54. The selected MAE conditions (60 mL of hexane-acetone, 1:1 (v/v), 85 °C, 1 min, two cycles) lead to recoveries between 72 and 91% for PBDEs and between 96 and 103% for PCNs. The applicability of the MAE extraction was tested in field SPMDs deployed for 20 days in a sewage treatment plant.The MAE method developed is about 300 times faster than the conventional dialysis and remarkably reduces the solvent consumption.     

Application of water as a solvent in microwave-assisted extraction for analysis of PCBs and CBzs in fly ash

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorobenzenes (CBzs) are two classes of dioxin precursors formed in municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs); they produce negative health effects similar to those of dioxins. Reducing the analytical time required for determining the concentrations of these compounds in MSWIs is important for quickly evaluating their importance and assessing associated health risks. In the present study, water is used as a safe and environmentally friendly solvent in microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) for PCB and CBz analyses. MAE is compared with traditional Soxhlet extraction (SE) to determine the extraction efficiencies. The evaluation of extraction efficiencies shows that MAE has a high extraction efficiency compared with that of SE when water content is lower than 60%. Furthermore, the extraction time and organic solvent consumption are reduced with MAE compared with SE.     

Comparison of five extraction methods for measuring PCBs,PBDEs, organochlorine pesticides,and lipid content in serum

An increasing number of studies use blood obtained noninvasively to monitor organohalogen contaminants; however, blood can be difficult to analyze because of its aqueous nature and high protein content. We compared five methods for extracting polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides, and lipids from serum using National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material 1589a PCBs, Pesticides, PBDEs, and Dioxins/Furans in Human Serum. Liquid:liquid (LLE), cavity-dispersed microwave-assisted (MAE), focused microwave-assisted (FME), solid-phase (SPE), and pressurized fluid (PFE) extraction techniques were compared. FME extraction yielded the optimal recovery of internal standards (IS). All methods resulted in similar contaminant concentrations that also agreed with the certified values for SRM 1589a, except for only a few compounds measured by methods other than FME. Based on these findings, the FME method was determined to be the best overall extraction method. One procedural factor was found to affect contaminant concentrations; use of IS carrier solvents that were immiscible with serum (or when the serum was not directly physically mixed with IS) resulted in a 30% underestimation of organohalogen concentrations. This study offers valid, novel extraction alternatives beyond traditional methods (e.g., LLE) for blood contaminant measurements. Figure       

烟草中有机氯类农药多残留分析前处理方法对比研究

以烟草中有机氯类农药为研究对象,从检出限、回收率、重复性和色谱图4个方面系统比较了机械振荡萃取法、超声波溶剂萃取法、微波辅助萃取法和加速溶剂萃取法4种常用前处理方法。由于加速溶剂萃取法是在高温高压下进行萃取,在提取出残留农药的同时,也提取出更多的干扰物。机械振荡法、超声波溶剂萃取法和微波辅助萃取法各项结果差别较小,其中机械振荡萃取法回收率和重复性最好,但提取时间较长。考虑溶剂消耗和提取时间等方面的因素,微波辅助萃取是较理想的样品前处理方法。     

Microwave assisted extraction and sonication of polychlorobiphenils from river sediments and risk assesment by toxic equivalency factors

Summary Microwave extraction and ultrasonication of dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) from sediment samples were investigated. After separation of dioxin-like PCBs from a sample matrix on an acidic-alkaline silica gel column, dioxin-like PCBs were determined by GC-ECD, using dual capillary columns. Recoveries of dioxin-like PCBs in river sediment samples exceeded 80% by both extraction techniques. Toxic equivalency factors and their use for the PCB congeners investigated were applied. Presented at: Balaton Symposium on High-Performance Separation Methods, Siófok, Hungary, September 3–5, 1997     

Evaluation of microwave-assisted extraction for the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in fish

The efficiency of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was evaluated for the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in fish. An isotope dilution method was used for quantification via analysis of the samples by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. MAE solvent, temperature, and time were optimized, and observed concentrations were compared. The MAE results were also compared to those of other extraction techniques (Soxhlet extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, saponification, and homogenization). Concentrations of PCBs and OCPs obtained by MAE at 120 degrees C for 10 min were comparable to those by the other techniques. The results suggest that MAE can be used for the analysis of PCBs and OCPs in fish.     

Optimization and comparison of MAE, ASE and Soxhlet extraction for the determination of HCH isomers in soil samples

The microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and Soxhlet extraction of two isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, alpha-HCH and gamma-HCH, from a polluted landfill soil have been optimized following different experimental designs. In the case of microwave-assisted extraction, the following variables were considered: pressure, extraction time, microwave power, percentage of acetone in n-hexane mixture and solvent volume. When ASE extraction was studied the variables were pressure, temperature and extraction time. Finally, the percentage of acetone in n-hexane mixture and the extraction time were the only variables studied for Soxhlet extraction. The concentrations obtained by the three extraction techniques were, within their experimental uncertainties, in good agreement. This fact assures the possibility of using both ASE and MAE techniques in the routine determination of lindane in polluted soils and sediments.     

Assisted solvent extraction and ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in mussels. Comparison with other extraction techniques

A selective and sensitive analytical method for determination of ten congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs 31, 28, 52, 101, 118, 153, 105, 138, 156, and 180) in mussel samples (Mytilus galloprovincialis) based on accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS–MS) is presented in this work. Extraction conditions were optimised using a Plackett–Burman factorial design. The final extracts were analysed after cleanup on alumina columns. The optimised extraction parameters were solvent percentage, sample amount, extraction temperature, pressure, static extraction time, flush percentage, and purge time. The results suggest that PCBs 118, 105, and 180 extractions appeared affected by only one statistically significant factor, pressure, solvent percentage and static extraction time, respectively. Extraction of PCBs 138 and 156 was affected by amount of sample. PCB 138 extraction was also statistically affected by static extraction time and purge time. Quantitative recoveries (64.8–120.3%) were achieved for all PCBs and method precision (RSD < 19%) was satisfactory.     

Optimization and comparison of MAE, ASE and Soxhlet extraction for the determination of HCH isomers in soil samples

The microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and Soxhlet extraction of two isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, α-HCH and γ-HCH, from a polluted landfill soil have been optimized following different experimental designs. In the case of microwave-assisted extraction, the following variables were considered: pressure, extraction time, microwave power, percentage of acetone in n-hexane mixture and solvent volume. When ASE extraction was studied the variables were pressure, temperature and extraction time. Finally, the percentage of acetone in n-hexane mixture and the extraction time were the only variables studied for Soxhlet extraction. The concentrations obtained by the three extraction techniques were, within their experimental uncertainties, in good agreement. This fact assures the possibility of using both ASE and MAE techniques in the routine determination of lindane in polluted soils and sediments. Received: 28 January 2000 / Revised: 28 March 2000 / Accepted: 31 March 2000     

Selective recovery of rosmarinic and carnosic acids from rosemary leaves under ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction procedures

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) are currently amongst the foremost green techniques for accelerating extraction processes. Several methods for the efficient recovery of the phenolic compounds from rosemary leaves have so far been proposed, but little data are available on the use of UAE and MAE. The aim of this work is to investigate the efficiency and selectivity of these techniques in recovering fractions of specific phenolic compounds from dried rosemary leaves using solvents that are suitable for food applications. UAE has been carried out by means of a probe system equipped with a titanium horn working at 19.5 kHz (140 W). MAE has been performed in a closed multimode reactor under N₂ (20 bar) at 100 °C. All obtained extracts were dissolved in a defined solvent volume and the solutions were directly analyzed using a combination of the HPLC-DAD-MS and TOF techniques. MAE and UAE in ethanol and acetone dramatically increased phenol yield (more than three times) as compared to more traditional solid–liquid extraction processes. In terms of selectivity, remarkably high rosmarinic acid content (6.8% of the dried extract) was obtained in ethanol under ultrasound (US). Even more impressive is the selectivity of UAE in n-hexane which gave the highest carnosic acid content, up to 13% of the dried extract. In conclusion, non-conventional energy sources and, in particular, high-intensity US have proven themselves to be rapid, efficient, and selective techniques for rosemary leaf extraction and provide fractions with high rosmarinic and carnosic acid contents.     

Determination of 41 polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soil using a pressurised solvent extraction and GC-NCI-MS method

A rapid and reliable analytical method based on pressurised solvent extraction (PSE) and GC-NCI-MS was developed for the determination of 41 different PBDEs in soil. All PBDEs, including mono- to hepta-BDEs (sum of 39 congeners), one nona-BDE and deca-BDE, were efficiently extracted from soil samples using the extraction technology of PSE. The extract was then cleaned up on a florisil column. Satisfactory separation of 41 PBDE congeners was obtained on a 15-m DB-5MS capillary column, saving the use of another 30-m column specific for the separation of mono- to hepta-BDEs. PBDEs were identified and quantified by GC-MS in negative chemical ionisation (NCI) mode, and further confirmed in semi electron impact (SEI) mode when the ion source was also NCI. The method detection limits ranged from 0.01 to 0.03?ng?g^?1?dw for mono- to hepta-BDEs, 1.43?ng?g^?1?dw for the nona-BDE and 0.20?ng?g^?1?dw for deca-BDE. The applicability of the method was tested in soil samples collected from an e-waste recycling site at Guiyu. Twenty-one PBDEs (mono- to deca-) were detected, and eighteen congeners were quantified. The concentration range of PBDEs was 0.78–436?ng?g^?1?dw. BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-153, BDE-183, BDE-206 and BDE-209 were the dominant congeners, and BDE-209 accounted for 62% of the total PBDEs. The congener profiles of PBDEs in soil samples were similar to those in three commercial PBDE products (Penta-, Octa- and Deca-BDE), and Deca-BDE product was the most important contributor.     

SPE – Microwave‐assisted extraction coupled system for the extraction of pesticides from water samples

SPE is a commonly applied technique for preconcentration of pesticides from water samples. Microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) technique is the extraction applied for preconcentration of different compounds from solid samples. SPE coupled with MAE is capable of preconcentrating these compounds from water samples too. This investigation was aimed at improving the efficiency of atrazine, alachlor, and α‐cypermethrin pesticide extraction from the spiked water samples applying SPE followed by MAE. In this way, MAE served for elution of pesticides from C₁₈‐extraction disks with solvent heated by microwave energy. Various elution conditions were tested for their effects on the extraction efficiency of the SPE–MAE combined technique. Several parameters, such as elution solvent volume (mL), elution temperature (°C), and duration of elution (min), affect the extraction efficiency of the SPE–MAE coupled system and need to be optimized for the selected pesticides. In order to develop a mathematical model, 15 experiments were performed in the central composite design. The equation was then used to predict recoveries of the pesticides under specific experimental conditions. Optimization of microwave extraction was accomplished using the genetic algorithm approach. Best results were achieved using 20 mL of ethanol at 60°C. Optimal hold time was 5 min and 24 s. The SPE–MAE combination was also compared with the conventional SPE extraction technique with elution of a nonpolar or a moderately polar compound with nonpolar solvents.     

Optimization of a microwave-assisted extraction method for the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls in ash samples

An alternative method for the extraction of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in ash samples, which is less time and solvent consuming than Soxhlet extraction, is presented. A study was carried out to evaluate the possibilities of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to determine exactly which parameters affect the efficiency of the process, since direct extrapolation of extraction conditions for PCBs in other solid matrices, failed when applied to coplanar congeners in ash samples. Influence of the organic solvent on the yield of the extraction was first evaluated using two ash samples with different percentages of carbon. Once the extraction solvent was fixed, the effects of solvent volume, extraction temperature and extraction time were investigated using an experimental design. It was found that the volume of organic solvent played a more important role in the extraction efficiency than the other factors. In the optimal conditions microwave extractions were performed at 110 degrees C. for 10 min and using 30 ml of toluene. Recoveries higher than 80% were obtained for all the highly chlorinated congeners. including coplanar species, in a spiked ash sample containing a relatively high concentration of carbon. The proposed method was also applied to the determination of PCBs in a reference material of urban dust. Recoveries were similar to those obtained for spiked ash samples.