Abstract
A rapid, inexpensive and solvent-free method for the simultaneous determination of the polyamide plasticizer N-butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS) and the widely used pharmaceutical Ibuprofen by solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MSD) in wastewater samples was developed. Besides the optimized analytical conditions, results of investigations with varying analytical parameters are reported. Problems, which may occur during the analytical procedure (e.g. salt deposits, adsorption phenomena, carry-over), are discussed. For the determination of Ibuprofen, it is important to carry out the extraction under acidic conditions with sufficiently buffered samples; the GC/MSD system must be very clean and well maintained. SPME allows an extraction of Ibuprofen without derivatization of its carboxylic group. For quantification in complex matrices, the standard addition technique is necessary. Limit of detection and limit of determination are 0.1 μg/L for both analytes. NBBS and Ibuprofen were detected in several raw and treated wastewater samples from municipal wastewater treatment plants in the range from < 0.1 to 3.5 μg/L.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 13 March 1998 / Revised: 16 June 1998 / Accepted: 19 June 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Huppert, N., Würtele, M. & Hahn, H. Determination of the plasticizer N-butylbenzenesulfonamide and the pharmaceutical Ibuprofen in wastewater using solid phase microextraction (SPME). Fresenius J Anal Chem 362, 529–536 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002160051119
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002160051119