Determining the distribution of triclosan and methyl triclosan in estuarine settings

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 95; pp. 478 - 485
• Main Authors: PINTADO-HERRERA, Marina G, GONZALEZ-MAZO, Eduardo, LARA-MARTIN, Pablo A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier 2014
• Subjects: Analysis methods; Analytical chemistry; Applied sciences; Chemistry; Chromatographic methods and physical methods associated with chromatography; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Estuaries; Exact sciences and technology; Gas chromatographic methods; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Natural water pollution; Pollution; Rivers - chemistry; Sewage - chemistry; Sewage - statistics & numerical data; Soil and sediments pollution; Spain; Triclosan - analogs & derivatives; Triclosan - analysis; Waste Water - chemistry; Waste Water - statistics & numerical data; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water Pollution, Chemical - statistics & numerical data; Water treatment and pollution; Europe; Spain; Water; Chemical analysis; Silylation; SBSE; Estuaries; PLE; Derivatization; Solvent extraction; Antimicrobial agent; Chemical enrichment; Pollution; Sample preparation; Chlorine Organic compounds; Stir bar sorptive extraction; Quantitative analysis; Trace analysis; Mimetic hormone; Sediment; Coupled method; Endocrine disruptor; Brackish water; Sediments; Operating conditions; GC-MS; Gas chromatography; Pressure effect; Surface water; Phenols; Water pollution; Triclosan; Disinfecting agent; Mass spectrometry; GC–MS
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.09.101

We have developed a method for the analysis of two sewage-derived contaminants: triclosan (TCS), an antibacterial agent, and methyl triclosan (MTCS), a TCS metabolite. For solid samples (4 g), extraction and cleanup were integrated into the same step using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with in-cell-clean-up (1g of florisil). The extraction was performed using dichloromethane at 100 °C, 1500 psi and 3 static extraction cycles of 5 min each. For water samples (100mL), stir bar sorptive extraction-liquid desorption (SBSE-LD) was used. Bars were stirred for 10h and analytes were later desorbed using acetonitrile. Finally, MTCS and a silylated derivative of TCS were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Recovery experiments in water and sediments were performed and the results ranged from 67% to 78%. Limits of detection (LODs) were 5 ng L(-1) for TCS and 1 ng L(-1) for MTCS, in water samples, and 0.1 ng g(-1) for TCS and MTCS in solid samples. The method was applied then to determine the levels of these compounds in the estuary of Guadalete River (SW Spain). TCS and MTCS concentrations up to 9.6 ng g(-1) in sediments and 310 ng L(-1) in water were measured. Their distribution was strongly influenced by the presence of wastewater sources, treated and untreated, along the sampling area, where maximum concentrations were detected. Highest values were reached in the water column during low tides as the water volume in the estuary becomes lower.