Development of polypropylene membranes grafted with nanocellulose to analyze organic pollutants in environmental waters using miniaturized passive samplers based on liquid-phase microextraction

Abstract

Reinforcing hollow polypropylene fibers with nanocellulose is a viable alternative for implementing miniaturized passive sampling devices (MPSDs) based on liquid-phase microextraction (LPME). This modification improves the extractive properties of microporous membranes, including the sensitivity to fluctuations in the uptake steps. The new material, polypropylene hollow fiber grafted with nanocellulose, was developed and characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive System (EDS) and Thermogravimetric (TGA) and Differential Thermal (DTA) analysis. The morphology type of the crystallite of cellulose most abundant after chemical regeneration was the CII (Celulose II) allomorphic. Sorption studies were carried out and revealed that the modified membrane could absorb 177% more water than its untreated commercial counterpart, making it suitable for long-term sampling. Miniaturized passive sampling devices were equipped with the new material, and the devices were deployed in situ for passive sampling of organic pollutants in environmental waters of marginal lagoons. Fingerprint analysis of samples was performed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and identified a variety of pollutants such as pesticides, plasticizers and prescription and illegal drugs and their metabolites. Therefore, these MPSDs can be employed for the sampling and long-term monitoring of water contaminants with a wide range of polarities.