Multicriteria Decision Analysis and Grouping of Analytical Procedures for Phthalates Determination in Disposable Baby Diapers

Magdalena Fabjanowicz,Justyna Płotka-Wasylka,Marek Tobiszewski

doi:10.3390/molecules26227009

Abstract

This study presents the application of one of the tools from the multicriteria decision analysis set (MCDA), the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Selected green analytical chemistry metrics were used to rank analytical procedures for the phthalate determination in disposable baby diapers. Nine analytical procedures were assessed in order to find one that has the lowest environmental impact and the best analytical figures of merit. Nine different criteria, where weighting was based on the experts’ evaluation, were used in the procedures’ assessment. With the use of TOPSIS, an easy and straightforward technique, selection of the most appropriate procedure was made.

Highlights

Eleni Deliyanni and Phthalates are a group of compounds derived from the esters of 1,2-dibenzene dicarboxylic acid
TOPSIS was applied for the selection of the most relevant analytical procedure for the phthalate determination in disposable baby diapers
According to data analysis and procedures rank, the procedure that gained the best result was the direct analysis in real-time (DART) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) technique

Summary

Introduction

Eleni Deliyanni and Phthalates are a group of compounds derived from the esters of 1,2-dibenzene dicarboxylic acid. Due to their properties, they are widely applied in the industry as plasticizers (addition of phthalates increases the flexibility and workability of high molecular weight polymers), heat-transfer fluids and carriers (thanks to their low melting point and high boiling point) [1]. There is a growing concern regarding the adverse effect of phthalates on human health. There are several studies presenting the link between human exposure and certain disease occurrences, e.g., cancer, abnormal development and thyroid function, fertility disturbances, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Several phthalate metabolites can increase the risk of obesity [3]

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