Development of a new green analytical methodology for the determination of phthalates in single-use babies diapers using ultrasound-assisted extraction and polypropylene porous membrane

A green extraction strategy was developed and utilized for the extraction and determination of phthalates. The extraction is based on ultrasound-assisted extraction and a polypropylene porous membrane. The Box-Behnken model was performed to optimize the extraction condition. The optimal extraction conditions are 5.5 mL of ethyl acetate, 10 min of extraction time and 55 degrees C for extraction temperature. The developed green extraction method was successfully applied to extract target phthalate from baby's diapers. Under the optimal condition, the developed method provided acceptable recoveries in the range of 87 to 102% with a relative standard deviation lower than 13%. The developed method exhibited good linearity in the range of 0.05 to 10.0 mu g g-1 with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.992 (R2). Applied the developed method coupled with the gas chromatography-mas spectroscopy (GC-MS) method, benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) were found in some diaper samples. While low concentrations of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) were detected in almost all diaper samples. The greenness of the developed method was also evaluated. The developed method can be used as an alternative simple, green and efficient strategy for the determination of phthalates in baby diapers. In sum, the presented article is the first step in raising awareness about carcinogenic impurities to which infants and older children are exposed.

Automated summary

A green extraction strategy was developed for the extraction and determination of phthalates from baby diapers. The developed method showed good extraction efficiency and recovery rate, and proved to be a simple, environmentally friendly, and efficient strategy.