Simultaneous extraction of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls from contaminated soil using pressurized liquid extraction

Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) was studied for simultaneous extractions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs), and of coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs) from a tightly bounded condition in the soil matrix. Temperatures were maintained at 175 and 200 °C, respectively, and two or three static cycles for single PLE with toluene and acetone/n-hexane were studied using a certified reference material to compare the effects of those conditions on recoveries. A single PLE with two static cycles at 150 °C and the repeated single PLE (additional PLE) were reference methods. Satisfactory recoveries were not obtained using tested single PLE (2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/PCDFs and Co-PCBs average, average (avg.) 79–103%), but they were achieved using additional PLE (acetone/n-hexane, avg. 115–128%; toluene, avg. 111–132%). In addition, these methods and additional PLE of the reference method using acetone/n-hexane were not markedly different (avg. 123–128%). That fact suggests that the use of mixed solvents and additional PLE were more important factors than temperatures and static cycles of single PLE for quantitative and simultaneous extractions of those compounds from the soil.