Sensitive and selective determination of triclosan using visual spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Triclosan, a widely used biocide, contaminates the environment due to its overuse.
• Spectroscopic detection of triclosan via azo-coupling reactions is challenged by interference from analogous phenolic compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an improved spectroscopic method for selective triclosan determination.
• To address interference issues in triclosan analysis using azo-coupling reactions.
• To enable accurate quantification of triclosan in environmental water samples.

Main Methods:

• Investigated the pH-dependent azo-coupling reaction of triclosan and analogous compounds.
• Developed an analytical model for simultaneous determination of triclosan and naphthol.
• Utilized solid-phase extraction for sample enrichment to enhance detection sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Identified optimal pH (7.2) for triclosan azo dye formation with minimal interference, except from naphthol.
• Established a method for simultaneous triclosan and naphthol determination with limits of detection at 0.62 µM and 1.03 µM, respectively.
• Achieved a 50-fold enhancement in triclosan detection sensitivity and an average recovery of 98.6% in real water samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed spectroscopic method offers selective and accurate triclosan determination in environmental samples.
• The method effectively overcomes interference from common phenolic compounds, including naphthol.
• Solid-phase extraction coupled with spectroscopy provides a sensitive and reliable approach for environmental triclosan monitoring.