Solid-phase extraction for the selective isolation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, azaarenes and heterocyclic aromatic amines in charcoal-grilled meat.

A method for the simultaneous analysis of 12 mutagenic and/or carcinogenic compounds is described; these substances belong to three different chemical groups: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), azaarenes, i.e., nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PANHs), and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs). The selective enrichment procedure includes coupling of solid-phase extraction (SPE) steps using diatomaceous earth, propylsulfonic acid, silica gel and octadecylsilane columns. The eluted fractions were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV and electrochemical detection. Levels measured were estimated to be 4-19 ng g-1. Peak confirmation was carried out by GC-MS for both PAHs and PANHs, and by LC with a photodiode array detector for HAAs. The method was applied to the analysis of charcoal-grilled meat and was judged to be generally applicable for detection of these mutagens at the ppb level in processed foods.