ISO 17993:2002

Overview

ISO 17993:2002 specifies a validated laboratory method for the determination of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in water using liquid–liquid extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The standard targets drinking and ground water at concentrations above 0.005 µg/L (per compound) and surface waters above 0.01 µg/L (per compound). The method can be adapted for wastewater and for other PAH when appropriately validated.

Determined PAH: naphthalene, acenaphthene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, fluorene, anthracene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, benzo(ghi)perylene.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Sample handling & preservation: Use glass or steel containers, avoid plastics/silicones, protect samples from light, dechlorinate (e.g., sodium thiosulfate) and follow ISO 5667 sampling guidance.
• Extraction: Liquid–liquid extraction (hexane or equivalent solvent), concentration by evaporation, and optional silica cleanup for contaminated samples.
• Chromatography: HPLC separation on suitable columns using gradient elution; fluorescence detection with programmed excitation/emission wavelengths for selective identification and quantification.
• Instrumentation & accessories: HPLC with fluorescence detector (wavelength programming), degassing, binary pumps, column thermostat (±0.5 °C), autosampler vials, microfilters (0.45 µm) and silica cartridges for cleanup.
• Standards & calibration: Use certified single and multi-compound stock solutions (examples: 10 µg/mL), prepare at least five calibration levels; monitor method blanks and quality control.
• Interferences & limitations: Fluorescent co-eluting compounds, solvent residues and unresolved peaks can affect results (notably for naphthalene, phenanthrene, dibenzo(ah)anthracene/indeno-pyrene). Acenaphthylene is excluded because it is non-fluorescent.
• Safety: Many PAH are suspected carcinogens; solvents such as acetonitrile, hexane and dichloromethane are toxic-apply proper lab safety.

Practical applications

• Routine monitoring of drinking water, groundwater and surface water for regulatory compliance and public health protection.
• Environmental laboratories performing PAH screening and confirmation at low ng/L levels.
• Water utilities, environmental agencies, remediation contractors, and researchers assessing contamination sources, treatment efficiency, or compliance with limits (e.g., EU Council Directive 98/83/EC for benzo(a)pyrene).

Related standards

• ISO 5667-2 and ISO 5667-3 - sampling techniques and preservation for water quality
• ISO 8466-1 - calibration and evaluation of analytical methods

Keywords: ISO 17993:2002, PAH determination, HPLC fluorescence, liquid-liquid extraction, water quality, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, drinking water analysis.