Blank problems in trace analysis of diethylhexyl and dibutyl phthalate: investigation of the sources, tips and tricks

The analysis of phthalates, particularly that of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), is notorious for blank problems. Methods and tools are listed to identify the sources and reduce the system contamination to below 1 pg DEHP and DBP or below 1 ng mL(-1) of sample solution. Once direct contact with phthalate-containing plastic articles is ruled out, the air is the major source, primarily via absorption to the surfaces of laboratory glass ware. A main improvement was achieved by cleaning solvents with aluminium oxide permanently left in the reservoirs. The data enables to estimate the contamination to be expected and to design methods keeping blanks below a critical threshold.