Abstract
A rapid and simple extraction of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofrurans (PCDD/Fs) derived from the herbicide “Agent Orange” in soil using ultrasonic device was investigated. The results were as follows. The ultrasonic extraction of PCDD/Fs using acetone showed the highest extraction efficiency compared with those of dimethlysulfoxide, methanol, acetone/hexane (1:1) and toluene. PCDD/Fs could be efficiently extracted by an addition of 0.1 mol/L H2SO4 to soil, especially to organic matter-poor soil, and also by an increase of sound pressure. The ultrasonic extraction of PCDD/Fs in soil for 60 min with more than 30 pounds per square inch (psi) showed more than 90% of extraction efficiency as well as soxhlet extraction with toluene. These results suggest that the ultrasonic extraction could be useful for a rapid and simple extraction of PCDD/Fs derived from the herbicide “Agent Orange” in soil.
