Determination of di-n-butyl Phthalate in Environmental Samples

A devised methodology presented here allows the determination of di-n-butyl phthalate in environmental samples (water and landfill leachate) using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography. It is developed based on the use of a gas chromatograph with an FID detector. Preliminary testing has also provided extraction parameters and conditions for chromatographic determination, with calibration applied by reference to an internal standard. The linearity of the calibration curve has been tested in DBP concentrations ranging from 0 to 7.5 mg/L, with the data obtained showing that, throughout this range, the detector readings as a function of the DBP concentrations remain linear (R-2 coefficient >0.99). The average levels of recovery of DBP from aqueous solutions of phthalates are in the range of 97-109%, while the corresponding figures for leachates are 85-101%. The values of the coefficients of variation associated with the results obtained do not exceed 5%. The results, therefore, indicate that the applied extraction method is effective as regards DBP extraction from both water and landfill leachate, while numerous other substances present in the leachate from landfill sites apparently do not affect the correct determination of di-n-butyl phthalate by the method developed.