Analysis of 16 PAHs by GC-MS in accordance with NF EN 17503

For waste bituminous asphalt covered by its Cofrac accreditation scope, BJL Laboratoires quantifies 16 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by solid/liquid extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in accordance with NF EN 17503.

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Why is GC-MS used for PAH analysis?

Asphalt is a complex matrix consisting mainly of aggregates and a hydrocarbon binder. The target PAHs are present in a mixture containing many other organic compounds. Gas chromatography separates the molecules over time, while mass spectrometry provides information for their identification and targeted quantification.

Overall performance does not depend solely on the instrument. Sample preparation, homogenisation, dry matter determination, extraction and analytical quality controls are all essential.

Step 1: pretreatment in accordance with NF EN 15002

BJL's Cofrac accreditation scope for waste bituminous asphalt specifies pretreatment consisting of crushing to below 4 mm, homogenisation and quartering in accordance with NF EN 15002. The purpose is to obtain a test portion that is as representative as possible of the material received.

Step 2: dry matter determination

Dry matter is determined gravimetrically in accordance with NF EN 15934. This step enables the results to be correctly expressed on a dry-matter basis where required by the applicable reference document and allows samples to be compared independently of their moisture content.

Step 3: PAH extraction

PAHs are extracted from the solid matrix using solid/liquid extraction with agitation. This process transfers the target compounds into a phase suitable for chromatographic analysis.

Step 4: chromatographic separation

In the gas chromatograph, the components of the extract are separated according to their interactions with the column and their physicochemical properties. Each target compound appears within a defined retention-time region of the chromatogram.

Step 5: mass spectrometric detection

After passing through the column, the compounds enter the mass spectrometer. The resulting signal confirms the identity of the analytes and enables their quantities to be measured by comparison with the method calibration and quality controls.

Which PAHs are quantified?

Which standard is used?

For the PAH testing of waste bituminous asphalt described in BJL's current Cofrac accreditation scope, the reference method is NF EN 17503.

What does “under Cofrac accreditation” mean?

Cofrac accreditation applies to a defined scope covering the matrix, measured characteristic, analytical principle and method reference. For BJL, scope No. 1-0973 rev. 26 explicitly covers waste bituminous asphalt, pretreatment, dry matter determination and quantification of the 16 PAHs by GC-MS in accordance with NF EN 17503. The scope and its validity must always be checked against the current Cofrac accreditation certificate.

Does the method provide a “sum of PAHs”?

The report provides results for the compounds tested according to the method and report configuration. When a contracting party uses a sum of PAHs from a reference document, it must ensure that the list of compounds and the way the result is expressed correspond exactly to that reference.

Why is a GC-MS result not sufficient on its own to determine a waste route?

The analysis answers a chemical question. Decisions concerning the management of the material may depend on other parameters, including asbestos, hydrocarbons, physical characteristics, batch homogeneity, intended use, facility requirements or the applicable technical guidance.

See PAH thresholds and interpretation precautions.

Frequently asked questions

What does GC-MS mean?

Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

Why is the sample crushed?

Crushing and homogenisation reduce the heterogeneity of the material before the test portion is taken.

Is NF EN 17503 the standard used?

Yes, for the PAH testing of waste bituminous asphalt described in BJL's current Cofrac accreditation scope.