Determination of nonylphenol polyethoxylates in household detergents by high-performance liquid chromatography

Preliminary survey results of the content of nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOs) in various household detergents sold in Taiwan are presented. This survey was conducted to elucidate the concentration of NPEOs in household detergents and support pollution prevention and control programs. The concentrations of NPEOs in detergents and cleaners were determined by HPLC with a C8 reversed-phase column and equipped with fluorescence detection. The accuracy and precision of the method was validated and was successfully applied to determine concentrations of NPEOs in household detergents. The results show that NPEOs were detected in 41% of 90 household detergents at concentrations from 0.2 to 21%. The highest concentration of NPEOs (21%) was detected in a laundry liquid especially designed for washing socks. Reversed-phase liquid chromatography connected with electrospray mass spectrometry confirmed the results.