Effect of a packaging material type on PAHs contents in oils and water

The aim of this study is to determine the extent of packaging material effect on the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from stored liquid media. Changes in PAHs contents were monitored in edible oils and water during their storage for 504 h. The most significant reduction in PAHs content was reported upon the use of polyethylene packagings. In the case of LDPE packagings, the Σ16PAHs content decreased to 40.07% (water) and 45.0% (rapeseed oil) of their initial level after 504 h. Most PAHs absorption occurred within the first 24 h of liquid media storage. In terms of PAHs absorption capability, the packages tested could be ordered as follows LDPE > HDPE > PET > glass. The experiment involving the re-use of LDPE, HDPE, and PET packagings earlier contaminated with PAHs demonstrated that their effective washing with detergents commonly used at household was impossible.