Technique dioxin analysis

Analysis for dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs, Indicator PCBs and polybrominated diphenyl ethers

Purification of samples

At RIKILT after extraction samples are purified using a fully automated method the so called powerprep from Fluid Management Systems, Waltham USA.

Extracts are transferred to the Power-Prep system and purified on an acid silica column, a neutral silica column, a basic alumina column and an activated carbon/celite column. For the elution of the columns, custom made solvents and mixtures are used:

  • Hexane, channel 1  
  • Hexane/dichloromethane (1:1, V/V), channel 3
  • Ethylacetate/toluene (1:1, v/v), channel 4
  • Toluene, channel 5

Note: Channel 2 is in the RIKILT procedure not in use.

After purification two fraction are obtained:

  • Fraction A contains:
    • mono-ortho and indicator PCBs and polybrominated diphenyl ethters (PBDEs)
  • Fraction B contains:
    • PCDD/Fs and non-ortho PCBs

The programs for controlling the powerprep can be downloaded to be used in the FMS software DMS6000

  1. Program for purification of samples  
  2. Program for extended washing the system after each serie   
  3. LOG file should always be activated

You can download these programs as a ZIP-file (see below).