A simple analytical method for the simultaneous determination of multiple organic pollutants in sediment samples

Due to the extensive application of synthetic organic chemicals, the resulting environmental contamination with such chemicals is of great concern. Herein, we describe the development of a simple analytical method to determine several groups of organic compounds in sediment samples. Samples were soxhlet-extracted with dichloromethane, separated, and cleaned-up by passage through a combined column of neutral alumina/silica gel, then identified and determined by GCMS analysis. Four sediment samples were analyzed to validate the efficiency, and acceptable recoveries and good repeatability were obtained. • Combined chromatographic columns of silica gel and alumina have been used for separation and clean-up. • Five groups of organic compounds have been simultaneously analyzed. • Acceptable recoveries with good reproducibility have been achieved. Method name: Multiple-residue analytical method, Keywords: Synthetic musks, PAHs, Organophosphate esters, UV filters, Analytical metho

Occurrence and distribution of organophosphorus flame retardants/plasticizers in coastal sediments from the Taiwan Strait in China

Concentrations and spatial distributions of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in marine sediment samples in the western Taiwan Strait were investigated and analyzed for the first time. The total OPE concentration (Sigma OPE) in sediments was in the range of 5263-34,232 pg/g (dry weight), with an average value of 12,796 pg/g. Generally, there was a higher abundance of non-halogenated OPEs than halogenated OPEs and aryl OPEs, with tributyl phosphate, tris (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, and tri-(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate being the main components. The EOPE concentrations in the western coastal and northern sampling sites were relatively high. The results indicated that OPEs in the study region originated mainly from terrestrial river inputs and local emission sources, as well as exogenous influxes by ocean currents

Occurrence of organophosphate esters and their diesters degradation products in industrial wastewater treatment plants in China: Implication for the usage and potential degradation during production processing

Influent, effluent and sludge samples were collected from eight industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Pearl River Delta, China. Samples were investigated for the occurrence of 10 organophosphate esters (OPEs) and 7 organophosphate diesters (Di-OPs). Most of the 10 OPEs were detected at total concentrations of OPEs (Sigma OPEs) ranging from 65.8 to 2842 ng L-1 in influent samples and exhibited different composition profiles. The results indicated that OPEs were widely used with different proportions in versatile OPE-containing products. Meanwhile, Sigma OPEs in effluent were found in the range of 637-2710 ng L-1; these residuals were subsequently transported to municipal WWTPs for further treatment and posed extra pressure on the plants. Seven Di-OPs, possible degradation products of the OPEs, were also detected in influent, effluent and sludge. The results suggested that OPEs underwent degradation during rigorous industrial manufacturing procedures, such as thermal processes, highly alkaline pH, or processes that involved metal/metal oxide. In addition, high levels of dibutyl phosphate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate and diphenyl phosphate were found in influent suggesting their possible industrial application. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved