Synchronous Fluorescence Spectrometry (SFS) with Multivariate Calibration for the Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Their Oxygen Analogs in Printer Toner

Synchronous molecular fluorescence with multivariate calibration was investigated to assay seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and three oxygenated derivatives (O-PAHs) in printer toner. Great sensitivity and a good data compression capacity were achieved; therefore, a relatively small number of factors were used. Correlation coefficients above 0.95 for the calibration functions were obtained, and recoveries lie between 70 and 130% in analyzing synthetic samples (13 PCs). For the real samples assayed, recoveries between 81 and 125% were obtained when compared to the results obtained by gas chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Despite a certain loss in accuracy when compared to chromatography, the proposed methodology is faster, simpler, and lower in cost. The multivariate tool proved to be an expeditious alternative for screening toner in relation to the presence and abundance of PAHs and derivatives.