DIN EN 17503 PDF Download

The DIN EN 17503 standard provides guidelines for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in various types of materials including soil, sludge, treated biowaste, and waste. The standard outlines the use of two different analytical techniques, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet-visible diode array detection or fluorescence detection (HPLC-UV-DAD/FLD).

The standard specifies the determination of 16 specific PAH compounds, with the exception of acenaphthylene when using fluorescence detection. The limit of detection may vary depending on the equipment, chemicals used for sample extraction, and the clean-up process. The lower limit of application ranges from 10 µg/kg for soils, sludge, and biowaste to 100 µg/kg for solid waste. However, for certain samples such as bitumen, the limit of 100 µg/kg may not be achievable.

Considering the different properties and contamination levels of PAH, as well as the presence of interfering substances, the standard acknowledges the need for customized procedures. Decision tables are provided based on the sample properties, extraction method, and clean-up procedure to guide analysts in selecting the appropriate approach.

Furthermore, while the standard focuses on the analysis of the specified PAH compounds, it allows for the analysis of other PAH not mentioned in the scope, provided that the suitability is demonstrated through in-house validation experiments.