Crude fat, hexanes extraction, in feed, cereal grain, and forage (Randall/Soxtec/submersion method): collaborative study

A method for determining crude fat in animal feed, cereal grain, and forage (plant tissue) was collaboratively studied. Crude fat was extracted from the animal feed, cereal grain, or forage material with hexanes by the Randall method, also called the Soxtec method or the submersion method. The use of hexanes provides for an alternative to diethyl ether for fat extractions. The proposed submersion method considerably decreases the extraction time required to complete a batch of samples compared to Soxhlet. The increase in throughput is very desirable in the quest for faster turnaround times and the greater efficiency in the use of labor. In addition, this method provides for reclamation of the solvent as a step of the method. The submersion method for fat extraction was previously studied for meat and meat products and was accepted as AOAC Official Method 991.36. Fourteen blind samples were sent to 14 collaborators in the United States, Sweden, Canada, and Germany. The within-laboratory relative standard deviation (repeatability) ranged from 1.23 to 5.80% for crude fat. Among-laboratory (including within) relative standard deviation (reproducibility) ranged from 1.88 to 14.1%. The method is recommended for Official First Action.     

Supercritical fluid extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from native soil and fly ash with pure and modified carbon dioxide and dimethylether

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkyl-PAH in the lower mg/kg range were extracted from soil and fly ash. Extraction yields were measured for toluene Soxhlet, supercritical carbon dioxide, toluene modified carbon dioxide, and toluene modified dimethylether (DME) extractions. Pure DME similarly to toluene Soxhlet extraction enhances extraction yields (32 mg/kg) as compared to pure carbon dioxide (21 mg/kg). In particular, higher molecular weight PAH are extracted with pure DME. 5% Toluene modified carbon dioxide (43 mg/kg) and toluene modified DME (50 mg/kg) yield much better extraction yields than Soxhlet (32 mg/kg) or pure supercritical fluid extractions. Received: 19 July 1996 / Revised: 23 September 1996 / Accepted: 22 October 1996     

Comparison of hot Soxhlet and accelerated solvent extractions with microwave and supercritical fluid extractions for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrated derivatives strongly adsorbed on soot collected inside a diesel particulate filter

Several methods of extraction were optimized to extract polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), their nitrated derivatives and heavy n-alkanes from a highly adsorptive particulate matter resulting from the combustion of diesel fuel in a diesel engine. This particular carbonaceous particulate matter, collected at high temperatures in cordierite diesel particulate filters (DPF), which are optimized for removing diesel particles from diesel engine exhaust emissions, appeared extremely refractory to extractions using the classical extracting conditions for these pollutants. In particular, the method of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) is described in detail here. Optimization was performed through experimental design to understand the impact of each factor studied and the factors’ possible interactions on the recovery yields. The conventional extraction technique, i.e., Soxhlet extraction, was also carried out, but the lack of quantitative extractions led us to use a more effective approach: hot Soxhlet. It appeared that the extraction of the heaviest PAHs and nitroPAHs by either the optimized ASE or hot Soxhlet processes was far from complete. To enhance recovery yields, we tested original solvent mixtures of aromatic and heteroaromatic solvents. Thereafter, these two extraction techniques were compared to microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). In every case, the only solvent mixture that permitted quantitative extraction of the heaviest PAHs from the diesel soot was composed of pyridine and diethylamine, which has a strong electron-donor character. Conversely, the extraction of the nitrated PAHs was significantly improved by the use of an electron-acceptor solvent or by introducing a small amount of acetic acid into the pyridine. It was demonstrated that, for many desirable features, no single extraction technique stound out as the best: ASE, MAE or SFE could all challenge hot Soxhlet for favourable extractions. Consequently, the four optimized extraction techniques were performed to extract the naturally polluted diesel soot collected inside the DPF. Comparisons with the NIST standard reference material SRM 1650b showed that the soot collected from the DPF contained 50% fewer n-alkanes, and also markedly lower levels of PAHs (44 less concentrated) than SRM 1650b, and that the ratio of nitroPAHs to PAHs was increased. These results were attributed to the high temperatures reached inside the particulate filter during sampling runs and to the contribution of the catalytic DPF to aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons abatement.     

Determination of low levels of an antioxidant in polyolefins by large-volume injection temperature-programmed packed capillary liquid chromatography

Sub-ambient column temperatures, promoting strong interactions between the analyte and the stationary phase material, were utilized to focus large volumes of the polyolefin antioxidant Irganox 1076 [benzenepropanoic acid, 3.5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, octadecyl ester] on the column inlet, using pure acetonitrile as sample solvent and mobile phase. Injection volumes up to 100 microl were successfully employed on a 50 cm x 320 microm I.D. capillary column packed with 5 microm Kromasil 100 ODS particles. Irganox 1076 was eluted after completed injection by temperature programming, using a temperature program from 7 to 90 degrees C, in 3 degrees C min(-1). UV detection, using a low-dispersion "U"-shaped flowcell, was performed at 280 nm. The method was applied for the determination of Irganox 1076 that was extracted from low-density polyethylene (0.6 ppm, w/w). Both Soxhlet and microwave-aided solvent extractions were performed, using chloroform and acetonitrile as solvents, respectively. The microwave-aided extraction with acetonitrile was found to give approximately the same yield as the standard Soxhlet reference method. Consequently, small volumes of acetonitrile could be used both as extraction solvent, sample solvent and mobile phase, simplifying the analysis process. The mass limit of detection of the method was found to be 3.3 ng, corresponding to a concentration limit of detection of 33 ng ml(-1), utilizing an injection volume of 100 microl. The within and between day precision of retention times displayed relative standard deviations below 1.2%.     

A comparison of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of fish tissues following lipid extractions with non-polar and traditional chloroform/methanol solvent systems

Stable isotope ratios act as chemical tracers of animal diet, and are used to study food web dynamics. Because carbon stable isotope values are influenced by tissue lipid content, a number of extraction methods have been used to remove lipid bias, but, in some species and tissues, extractions also alter nitrogen isotope values. We have analyzed delta(13)C and delta(15)N in Atlantic bluefin tuna liver and white muscle, and whole Atlantic herring, fish tissues covering a wide range of lipid content (bulk C:N 3.1-12.5). In order to compare delta(13)C and delta(15)N values from traditional chloroform/methanol extractions with non-polar solvent alternatives, we analyzed samples following (1) no treatment, (2) lipid removal using chloroform/methanol (2:1), and (3) Soxhlet extractions using chloroform, diethyl ether or hexane. Chloroform/methanol and chloroform extractions produced the lowest C:N values and highest delta(13)C values. In bluefin tuna, chloroform and hexane extractions significantly altered liver delta(15)N, and all methods significantly altered delta(15)N values in white muscle. Whole Atlantic herring delta(15)N was not altered by any extraction method, while the 2:1 chloroform/methanol extraction most completely removed fish tissue lipid components. Our results indicate that delta(15)N effects are not limited to common chloroform/methanol extractions and suggest that chloroform/methanol is the most effective extraction for delta(13)C correction. Given evidence for delta(15)N alteration among all tested methods, mathematical correction approaches should be further explored as an alternative to lipid correction.     

Extraction of atrazine and its metabolites using supercritical fluids and enhanced-fluidity liquids

Supercritical fluid and enhanced-fluidity liquid extractions are performed on spiked sediment samples containing atrazine (ATRA) and five of its metabolites including desisopropyldesethylatrazine, desethylhydroxyatrazine (DEHA), desisopropylatrazine, desethylatrazine, and hydroxyatrazine (HA). The hydroxylated metabolites are of particular interest because of their increased water solubility and the fact that their high polarity makes them difficult to analyze. Soxhlet extractions using methanol are conducted for the purpose of comparison. Results of the extractions show that the hydroxy-containing metabolites of ATRA are not effectively extracted with supercritical CO2 alone. The solvating or desorbing power of carbon dioxide appears too low to extract HA and DEHA. The extraction recoveries of the hydroxylated metabolites increase when enhanced-fluidity liquid mixtures of methanol/CO2 are used, and these rates increase with the methanol concentration. Enhanced-fluidity ternary liquid mixtures of H2O/methanol/CO2 yield the best recoveries for these compounds. ATRA recoveries are equally effective when using supercritical CO2 or enhanced-fluidity mixtures. The other nonhydroxy-containing metabolites require the increased solvent strength of either large percentages of methanol in CO2 or ternary mixtures of H2O, methanol, and CO2 for high recoveries. Recoveries with enhanced-fluidity liquid ternary mixtures are better than the recoveries from Soxhlet for all the compounds in the study.     

Efficiency of Different Methods and Solvents for the Extraction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Soils

The efficiencies of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), Soxhlet, and ultrasonic extraction in the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils were evaluated. Solvents with different polarity were used to extract the PAHs from two soils, one with high and one with low contamination level. ASE showed good results with all solvents almost independent of the solvent polarity and the best results with acetone-toluene (1 : 1). Ultrasonic extraction with acetone-toluene for the uncontaminated soil and acetone-ethanolamine for the highly contaminated also showed good recoveries. The time-consuming Soxhlet extraction with pentane or dichloromethane was less effective. The PAH recovery from SFE was related to the soil matrix or the contamination level. The best extraction conditions (CO 2 /10% pentane) are successful for the soil with a low contamination level and a high humic acid content whereas the extractions of the highly contaminated soil gave poor results irrespective of the solvent used.     

Nelumbo nucifera leaves as source of water-repellent wax: Extraction through polar and non-polar organic solvents

Nelumbo nucifera leaves are rich source of natural wax possessing super-hydrophobic properties. It provides protection to them from ecological turbulences and climatic wear and tear. In this study, various experiments have been conducted to observe the yield of extraction and the determination of various functional groups, which are present in natural wax, derived from Nelumbo nucifera leaves. The natural wax has been extracted from lotus leaves through non-polar (hexane) and polar (ethanol) solvent via different extraction methods. The superhydrophobic wax has been successfully extracted with hexane. Whereas, ethanol did not extract the water-repellent wax of lotus leaf. Considering the cumulative amount, i.e. (desired + undesired), the maceration shows the extraction of 2.9% (%w/w, through hexane) and 10.2% (%w/w, through ethanol), while it was found 2.5% (%w/w, cycle period 15 min) and 9.0% (%w/w, cycle period 26 min) respectively, in case of Soxhlet extraction technique. For this specific case of natural wax recovery from biomass (lotus leaf), the maceration (traditional method) resulted a little bit superior extraction yield in comparison to the Soxhlet extraction method for extraction of crude wax. In the case of non-polar solvent (hexane), an extraction yield of 1.97% (%w/w) through maceration method was observed while in the case of non-polar solvent (ethanol), an extraction yield of 1.62% (%w/w) through Soxhlet extraction was observed. The TLC analysis on both types of extracts was performed. For the detection of various hydrocarbon chains in the crude wax extracts, FTIR was also performed. Topography of wax surface and wax-coated waterproof fabric was compared through SEM.     

Comparison of supercritical fluid and Soxhlet extractions for the quantification of hydrocarbons from Euphorbia macroclada

This study compares conventional Soxhlet extraction and analytical scale supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for their yields in extracting of hydrocarbons from arid-land plant Euphorbia macroclada. The plant material was firstly sequentially extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide, modified with 10% methanol (v/v) in the optimum conditions that is a pressure of 400 atm and a temperature of 50 °C and then it was sonicated in methylene chloride for an additional 4 h. E. macroclada was secondly extracted by using a Soxhlet apparatus at 30 °C for 8 h in methylene chloride. The validated SFE was then compared to the extraction yield of E. macroclada with a Soxhlet extraction by using the Student’s t-test at the 95% confidence level. All of extracts were fractionated with silica-gel in a glass column to get better hydrocarbon yields. Thus, the highest hydrocarbons yield from E. macroclada was achieved with SFE (5.8%) when it compared with Soxhlet extractions (1.1%). Gas chromatography (GC) analysis was performed to determine the quantitative hydrocarbons from plant material. The greatest quantitative hydrocarbon recovery from GC was obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extract (0.6 mg g⁻¹).     

Supercritical fluid extraction of atrazine and its metabolites from soil

Soxhlet (methanol) and SFE extraction with carbon dioxide in the presence of modifiers at different temperatures (100–200°C) for the extraction of atrazine and its main metabolites from a soil sample were compared. The most effective extraction conditions for both atrazine and its metabolites (i.e. deethylatrazine and deisopropylatrazine) were Co₂ modified with 20% molar methanol-trifluoroacetic acid (MeOH-TFA) (TFA 0.65M in MeOH) at 100°C, leading to an extraction efficiency comparable with that of Soxhlet extraction with MeOH for atrazine and ca. 20% higher for its main metabolites. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of SFE was lower than that obtained by Soxhlet extraction, probably because of less interference in the cGC-NPD determination. All the other modifiers evaluated (acetone, triethylamine, and methanol) were less effective than MeOH-TFA for the extraction of atrazine and its metabolites from a soil sample, even at high molar concentrations (20%) and use of higher extraction temperatures (200°C). These results indicate the importance of matrix effects and the need of the selection of an appropriate modifier in order to obtain quantitative extractions by SFE.     

Extraction of a quality assurance sediment sample for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F)

An experimental design for two variables at three and four levels was used to investigate the Soxhlet extraction of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/ dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) from a quality assurance sediment. The first variable was the solvent: toluene/methanol, toluene (both Soxhlet) and toluene in Soxhlet-Dean-Stark equipment. The second variable were four different bulks: silica, sulfuric acid treated silica, sodium carbonate and no bulk. Extractions with toluene/methanol and sulfuric acid provided only a small contribution to the overall extraction efficiency. Toluene/methanol preferably improved the extraction of PCDD, and the sulfuric acid improved the PCDF extraction. This was likely to reflect improved extraction efficiency of substructures in the sediment as pulp effluent remains (fiber) and fly-ash particulate. A previously found PCDD formation in extractions using toluene/methanol in presence of sodium carbonate was reproduced. A designed supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) experiment was also accomplished, however even under the best used conditions some PCDD/F were retained on the particulate compared to Soxhlet extraction. Variations in extraction efficiency in Soxhlet and SFE indicated that different subfractions of PCDD/F are connected to the matrix with different mechanisms, thus indicating that different PCDD/F fractions had different abilities to equilibrate also in the real environment.     

Some applications of supercritical fluid extraction

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) exploits the solvation power of fluids at temperatures and pressures close to their critical point. Use of SFE with supercritical CO₂ is reported for the extraction of caffeine and quinine from various plant materials and of morphine from serum. Results are compared with those obtained by extractions with subcritical methanol and tetrahydrofuran, normal organic Soxhlet extractions and solid-phase extraction.     

Extraction of a quality assurance sediment sample for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F)

An experimental design for two variables at three and four levels was used to investigate the Soxhlet extraction of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/ dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) from a quality assurance sediment. The first variable was the solvent: toluene/methanol, toluene (both Soxhlet) and toluene in Soxhlet-Dean-Stark equipment. The second variable were four different bulks: silica, sulfuric acid treated silica, sodium carbonate and no bulk. Extractions with toluene/methanol and sulfuric acid provided only a small contribution to the overall extraction efficiency. Toluene/methanol preferably improved the extraction of PCDD, and the sulfuric acid improved the PCDF extraction. This was likely to reflect improved extraction efficiency of substructures in the sediment as pulp effluent remains (fiber) and fly-ash particulate. A previously found PCDD formation in extractions using toluene/methanol in presence of sodium carbonate was reproduced. A designed supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) experiment was also accomplished, however even under the best used conditions some PCDD/F were retained on the particulate compared to Soxhlet extraction. Variations in extraction efficiency in Soxhlet and SFE indicated that different subfractions of PCDD/F are connected to the matrix with different mechanisms, thus indicating that different PCDD/F fractions had different abilities to equilibrate also in the real environment. Received: 5 December 1997 / Revised: 9 February 1998 / Accepted: 15 February 1998     

Extraction and isolation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and their intermediate metabolites from various marine organisms

A method has been developed for the determination of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and its degradation intermediates (sulfophenylcarboxylic acids) from different marine organisms, which includes the stages of extraction and analysis by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The extraction stage (Soxhlet and solid-phase extractions) was optimised by the selection of the appropriate solvent, minicolumns and different clean-up stages. Recoveries varied in the range from 80 to 104%, with a standard deviation between 1 and 9%. Detection limits were 15 ng g(-1) wet mass for undecylbezene sulfonate and 30 ng g(-1) wet mass for sulfophenylundecanoic acid using HPLC-fluorescence detection. The complete analytical method was successfully applied to different marine organisms from the Bay of Cadiz (SW Spain).     

Analysis and quantitation of rotenoids and flavonoids in Derris (Lonchocarpus urucu) by high-temperature high-resolution gas chromatography

A glass capillary column coated with PS-086 (15% phenyl-80% methylpolysiloxane, 15 m x 0.30-mm i.d., 0.1-microm film thickness) is used to analyze extracts from Lonchocarpus urucu (Derris urucu). Several secondary metabolites (8 flavonoids, 10 rotenoids) are characterized without derivatization, and the rotenoids are quantitated by high-temperature high-resolution gas chromatography (HTHRGC) and HTHRGC coupled with mass spectrometry (HTHRGC-MS). The limit of detection in flame ionization detection of rotenone is approximately 0.5 microg/mL, and the limit of quantitation was 2 microg/mL. Derris urucu bark is an excellent source of rotenone isomers (80 mg/g), deguelin (30 mg/g), and rotenolone (26 mg/g). Single solvent extractions (hexane, methylene dichloride, acetone, or methanol) are not able to fully extract the flavonoids and rotenoids. Complete extraction is achieved using a mixture of methanol-methylene dichloride (1:1), indicating a complex association of these compounds with the plant tissue. HTHRGC and HTHRGC-MS are shown to be quick and informative tools for the rapid analysis of crude extracts without the need for prior derivatization and fractionation.     

The development of a method for the qualitative and quantitative determination of petroleum hydrocarbon components using thin-layer chromatography with flame ionization detection

An analytical scheme to determine groups of petroleum hydrocarbon compounds in crude oil was developed and used for the qualitative and quantitative characterization of crude oil samples from the Shengli oilfield, the second largest oilfield in China. Crude oil samples were fractionated and analyzed by thin-layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID). Relative standard deviation (RSD) values for retention time, peak height and half peak width were less than 5.2% for all classes of compounds, based on nine independent replicates. The crude oil light fraction was further analyzed by GC–MS and the majority of identified compounds were methyl- or hydro-derivatives of long-chain hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds. The external standard method used in the present study can lower detection limits of petroleum hydrocarbon compound classes to 20.0 mg L⁻¹, and the crude oil concentration in the range of 30 and 35,000 mg L⁻¹ has a high linear correlation (r² > 0.97, P < 0.05) with peak area. A comparison between elution chromatography (EC) and TLC-FID regarding the recovery of petroleum hydrocarbon compounds was carried out with aged crude oil contaminated soils of 50, 80, 200 and 300 mg g⁻¹. The tested TLC-FID method showed a 10% higher recovery for total extractable materials than the reference EC method. The calibration factor was fraction-dependent and varied with the recovery rate of TLC/EC. Regarding the tested extraction procedures, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) had a higher extraction efficiency for crude oil contaminated soils than Soxhlet and ultrasonic extractions.     

Rapid determination of total trans fat content--an attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy international collaborative study

Interest in trans fat labeling has prompted efforts to develop new, more efficient methods for rapidly and accurately determining trans fat content of foods. A novel and rapid (5 min) attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic procedure was recently developed and applied to food products. This procedure was voted official method AOCS Cd 14d-99 by the American Oil Chemists' Society in 1999 after testing in a 12 laboratory international collaborative study. The results of the study are described in this paper. Analytical ATR-FTIR results exhibited high accuracy in the range 5-40% trans; results tended to have <2% high bias relative to the gravimetrically determined values. The precision of this internal reflection method was found to be superior to the precision of transmission infrared official methods. It is recommended that the applicability of the ATR-FTIR method be limited to trans levels of >5% (as percent of total fat).     

Determination of fat in leather by the use of supercritical fluid extraction combined with on-line piezoelectric detection.

Leather samples were prepared and characterized as 'in house' matrix standards for the determination of fat. The Soxhlet standard method was used to establish the reference fat content in every standard sample. Sample homogeneity and stability were examined under specific storing conditions. The materials were subsequently used as matrix standards for the determination of fat in leather samples, using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with on-line piezoelectric detection. Real samples were weighed in the extraction SFE thimble, previously loaded with 1 g of diatomaceous earth. A temperature of 45 degrees C and a CO2 fluid density of 0.85 g ml-1 were used for extraction. The linear calibration range thus achieved was 0.001-0.040% m/m total fat (related to the weight of the leather) and the relative standard deviation +/- 3% (n = 11; P = 0.05). The results were compared with those obtained with the Soxhlet method and no significant differences were found.     

超声-微波协同萃取装置用于土壤中多环芳烃的分析

本研究将开放式微波和直接超声波振荡两种不同的能量方式相结合,研制出超声-微波协同萃取装置。通过萃取土壤中微量多环芳烃(PAHs),对方法和仪器的可行性进行了初步评价。结果表明,在60 mL二氯甲烷-正已烷(1∶1,V/V)的混合萃取剂,100 W微波辐射功率(超声振动功率固定为50 W),萃取9~10m in,土壤中多环芳烃回收率达86.6%,相对标准偏差约4.0%。与索氏抽提、高压密闭和开放式微波等萃取方法相比,本方法具有样品容量大,萃取时间短,萃取效率受样品中含水量和溶剂极性影响小等优点。     

Simplified and rapid determination of polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fish and shrimps integrated into a single method

In this study, a new rapid and flexible method for the simultaneous determination of 18 key representatives of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and 32 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish and shrimps by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed and validated. A substantial simplification of sample processing prior to quantification step was achieved: after addition of water to homogenized sample, transfer of hydrophobic analytes into ethyl acetate was supported by added inorganic salts. Bulk fat, contained in crude organic extract obtained by partition, was subsequently removed on a silica minicolumn. This approach enabled to process six samples in less than 1h; moreover, the volume of an extraction solvent and consumption of other chemicals can be significantly reduced compared to, e.g., traditional Soxhlet extraction followed by gel permeation chromatography. The recoveries of target analytes were in the range of 73-120% even at the lowest spiking level (1 μg kg(-1)), repeatabilities (relative standard deviations, RSDs) ranged from 1 to 20%. Under optimized GC-MS conditions (time-of-flight mass analyzer, TOF), the limits of quantification (LOQs) were as follows: PCBs 0.1-0.5 μg kg(-1), PBDEs 0.5 μg kg(-1), and PAHs 0.05-0.25 μg kg(-1). Ambient mass spectrometry employing a direct analysis in real time (DART) ion source was shown as an effective tool for fat control in extract, which is needed during the method development and examination of unknown samples prior to the analysis. Further extension of a method scope by other similar analytes is easily possible.