Problems of PAH quantification by GC–MS method using isotope-labelled standards

The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) system is presently routinely used in environmental analysis of trace organic compounds. With the use of a MS-detector, stable isotope-labelled materials’ analogous of the native analyte are convenient internal standard. They can be used for tracing and compensating analytes’ losses during the particular stages of analytical procedure, such as cleaning or diluting, and variations in instrument settings and sensitivity. However, the stage of quantitative analysis is connected with numerous problems that result from the necessity of obtaining reliable results of determination.In this article, problems connected with the quantitative analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment samples using GC–MS system were raised.The aim of conducted work was to assess the influence of the following factors on the results obtained: calibration of the GS–MS system, internal standard addition technique and the amount of internal standard added.