LAUSR

Abstract A sensitive method for the quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in saliva samples is proposed. The method is based on the use of microextraction by packed sorbents (MEPS), injection with programmed temperature vaporizer (PTV), gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry with a single quadrupole (MS). As far as we know, the MEPS technique has not been used to date for the analysis of PAHs in saliva samples. Sample treatment carried out only involves centrifugation and filtration of the saliva sample, which is subjected to the MEPS process without dilution. Standard addition was used as a calibration strategy, due to the matrix effect found using ultrapure water and among the different saliva samples. Nine saliva samples were analysed and phenanthrene was found (15 ± 6 ng L−1) in one of them. To confirm the accuracy of the method, the concentrations added in the standard additions were compared with the value predicted by the calibration model. The values ranged between 78 and 123%. The limits of detection (LOD) found in the saliva samples ranged between 4.6 and 79 ng L−1 and the repeatability and reproducibility were always equal to or lower than 10 and 17%, respectively. The main advantage of the proposed methodology over the existing ones is the complete automation of the analysis process (extraction, separation and detection). Once the saliva sample is placed in the vial, the entire process occurs on-line.