Abstract
An on-line coupling solid-phase extraction (SPE) has been developed for the first time to preconcentrate trace amounts of 17 musk fragrances extensively used in personal care products (6 polycyclic musks, 3 nitro musks, 7 macrocyclic musks and 1 polycyclic musk degradation product) from wastewater samples, prior to analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry through an on-column interface. A 10mm×2mm I.D. precolumn packed with Oasis HLB (60μm) or C18 (60μm) was compared for the optimization of the solid-phase extraction process. The parameters affecting the transfer of the analytes from the precolumn to the GC system (e.g. flow-rate, temperature and solvent vapor exit time) as well as SPE parameters (e.g. sample flow, sample volume, elution solvent, etc.) were optimized. An organic modifier such as methanol was added to the sample before the extraction process to avoid adsorption problems. The use of the MS detector under selected ion monitoring acquisition enabled the analytes to be quantified at low ngL−1 levels, preconcentrating only 10mL of sample, and the limits of detection were between 1 and 30ngL−1. The method was applied for the determination of musk fragrances in wastewater samples from three urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The analysis of influent urban wastewater revealed that galaxolide, tonalide and ambrettolide were the most abundant musk compounds with concentrations ranging between 18ngL−1 and 45,091ngL−1, 852ngL−1 and 49,904ngL−1 and 507ngL−1 and 21,528ngL−1 respectively. The remaining musks were present at lower concentrations and two of the macrocyclic musk studied (musk MC4 and civetone) were not detected. The analysis of effluent wastewater showed a decrease in the concentrations of all of the compounds present in influent samples, with the decrease being more significantly in the case of polycyclic and nitro musks than for macrocyclic musks. Only HHCB-lactone remained constant or increased its concentration.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
