Solid phase extraction method for selective determination of phthalate esters in the aquatic environment

The use of solid phase extraction and capillary GLC provides the basis for the selective determination of phthalate ester plasticizers in rivers and marine water samples. Of the several solvent ratios (methanol in dichloromethane) used for selective elution of phthalate esters from the C18 solid phase glass catridge, the 50/50 ratio, CH3OH in CH2Cl2 (v/v) gave the best result. The method was tested on river and marine water samples that receive effluent from industries that use phthalate esters. The rivers and marine water samples were grossly polluted as several phthalate esters, for example, dimethyl (DMP), diethyl (DEP), dibutyl (DBP) and diethylhexyl (DEHP) were present at 0.03-2306+/-9.4 mug L-1. A study on uncontaminated water was done to establish background levels.