Optimization of headspace single-drop microextraction technique for extraction of light hydrocarbons (C6-C12) and its potential applications

In this study, headspace single-drop microextraction (HS-SDME) coupled with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was tested to determine C₆-C₁₂ light hydrocarbons (LHs) in petroleum and aqueous samples. Several significant experimental parameters, such as drop solvent type, drop volume, sample solution ionic strength, agitation speed and extraction time were optimized. Under optimum extraction conditions, specifically, a 1.5 μl microdrop of n-hexadecane, 30 min extraction of a 5 ml aqueous sample placed in a 10 ml vial, and stirring at 1000 rpm at room temperature, the reproducibility and accuracy of this method were found to be satisfactory. Two examples using this method indicated that HS-SDME is a simple, efficient and promising technique for the determination of volatile C₆-C₁₂ LHs in complex matrices.