Polarographic and Voltammetric Determination of Carcinogenic Nitro and Amino Derivatives of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Nitro and amino derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAH and APAH) are well-known chemical carcinogens which should be carefully monitored in our environment. So far, mostly HPLC methods are used for these purposes, while polarographic and voltammetric methods are used less frequently. This article deals with the use of modern polarographic and voltammetric techniques (namely differential pulse polarography, differential pulse voltammetry, adsorptive stripping voltammetry and HPLC with electrochemical detection) for the determination of selected carcinogenic nitro and amino derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Optimum conditions are described for the determination of nanomolar or subnanomolar concentrations of nitro derivatives using mercury electrodes and for the determination of submicromolar concentrations of amino derivatives using solid or carbon paste electrodes or HPLC with electrochemical detection. The selectivity of all these methods can be improved by preliminary separation using liquid–liquid or solid phase extraction.