Analysis of polycyclic aromatic compounds in the fly ash of an incineration plant for radioactive waste

Abstract

Abstract Organic compounds adsorbed on fly ash from an incinerator for radioactive waste were investigated. Following Soxhlet extraction and concentration, analysis was performed by GC and GC/MS using high temperature silylated glass capillary columns coated with OV‐1 and SE‐54. Compound identification was based on retention data, relative detector responses, and mass spectra. Among other polycyclic aromatic compounds, series of gradually chlorinated PAHs containing four to seven aromatic rings were detected. For unequivocal identification, appropriate reference compounds were synthesized by chlorination of the corresponding parent PAHs.