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A novel cloud-point extraction process for preconcentrating selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aqueous solution

journal contribution
posted on 2001-10-01, 00:00 authored by D Bai, Jingliang LiJingliang Li, S Chen, B H Chen
A novel but simple cloud-point extraction (CPE) process is developed to preconcentrate the trace of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with the use of the readily biodegradable nonionic surfactant Tergitol 15-S-7 as extractant. The concentrations of PAHs, mixtures of naphthalene and phenanthrene as well as pyrene, in the spiked samples were determined with the new CPE process at ambient temperature (23 °C) followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. More than 80% of phenanthrene and pyrene, respectively, and 96% of naphthalene initially present in the aqueous solutions with concentrations near or below their aqueous solubilities were recovered using this new CPE process. Importantly Tergitol 15-S-7 does not give any fluorometric signal to interfere with fluorescence detection of PAHs in the UV range. No special washing step is, thus, required to remove surfactant before HPLC analyses. Different experimental conditions were studied. The optimum conditions for the preconcentration and determi nation of these selected PAHs at ambient temperature have been established as the following:  (1) 3 wt % surfactant; (2) addition of 0.5 M Na2SO4; (3) 10 min for equilibration time; and (4) 3000 rpm for centrifugal speed with duration of 10 min.

History

Journal

Environmental science and technology

Volume

35

Issue

19

Pagination

3936 - 3940

Publisher

American Chemical Society

Location

Washington, D. C.

ISSN

0013-936X

eISSN

1520-5851

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2001, American Chemical Society