Influence of pre-treatment step on PAHs analyses in contaminated soils

This study has explored different ways of drying, grinding and sieving in order to determine the influence of the soil sample handling on the measured pollutant concentration. It appears that the influence of pre-treatment depends on the soil nature and on the PAHs distribution. As a conclusion, it is advised “light” drying ways like air drying or drying at 40 °C in a drying oven instead of more “drastic” ways (freeze-drying, cryogenic crushing) which can induce some losses. Crushing and sieving are also recommended for more reproducible measures.