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Published on: March 21, 2018
Permeation sampling of phthalate esters in water
Heather L Steele1, James K Hardy
1Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3601, USA.
Summary
A new method effectively samples six priority pollutant phthalate esters in water using a silicone polycarbonate membrane and Amberlite XAD-16 adsorbent. This technique allows for accurate time-weighted average concentration determination via gas chromatography.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Phthalate esters are significant environmental pollutants.
- Accurate monitoring of phthalate esters in water is crucial for environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for sampling and quantifying six priority pollutant phthalate esters in water.
- To establish a reliable technique for determining time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of phthalates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a silicone polycarbonate membrane (SSP-M213) sampler for analyte permeation and collection on Amberlite XAD-16 adsorbent.
- Analyte extraction using dichloromethane/hexane (50:50, v/v) followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.
- Determined TWA concentrations by plotting collected analyte amount against the product of concentration and time (ppm·hr).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a linear correlation between the amount of phthalate ester collected and the concentration-time product.
- Investigated the influence of temperature, stirring rate, and interferents on permeation rates.
- The method requires minimal solvent for sample preparation and analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed sampling method is effective for quantifying phthalate esters in water.
- The technique provides accurate time-weighted average concentrations, crucial for environmental risk assessment.
- This method offers a sensitive and efficient approach for monitoring phthalate pollution.

