MSPE/UV for field detection of micropollutants in water

Abstract

This paper proposes a new approach for the on-site detection of micropollutants in water in case of accidental or intentional contamination (characterized by high concentration). The technique is based on the use of an automatic multiple solid phase extraction step (MSPE) followed by direct or indirect UV spectrometry (MSPE/UV) for the detection of organic contaminants in water (such as regulated molecules (pesticides …) as well as emerging pollutants (pharmaceutical products, endocrine disruptors …)). The development of the system supposes firstly the choice of the most appropriate sorbent(s) and secondly conditions for the detection of targeted micropollutants, from several solid phase extraction cartridges and eluting solvents. Two different extraction sorbents were chosen. These sorbents and several eluting solvents allow the first separation of the compounds based on the physico-chemical properties of each substance (pKa, log Kow) and on the specific interactions with the sorbent. Finally, a UV analysis (either at the maximum of absorbance using a calibration curve or from the whole spectrum using a multicomponent (deconvolution) exploitation method) of each fraction allows a determination and a quantification of each compound. The method is rapid (less than 2h), sensitive enough for an accidental/intentional contamination (between 5 and 40μg·L−1 according to the substances) and with a good precision (between 4 and 14%).