A simple analytical method for the simultaneous determination of multiple organic pollutants in sediment samples

Due to the extensive application of synthetic organic chemicals, the resulting environmental contamination with such chemicals is of great concern. Herein, we describe the development of a simple analytical method to determine several groups of organic compounds in sediment samples. Samples were soxhlet-extracted with dichloromethane, separated, and cleaned-up by passage through a combined column of neutral alumina/silica gel, then identified and determined by GC—MS analysis. Four sediment samples were analyzed to validate the efficiency, and acceptable recoveries and good repeatability were obtained. • Combined chromatographic columns of silica gel and alumina have been used for separation and clean-up. • Five groups of organic compounds have been simultaneously analyzed. • Acceptable recoveries with good reproducibility have been achieved.