Application of Gas and Liquid Chromatography in Determination of Nonylphenol in the Workplace Air

Abstract

Background: The paper presents the application of two widespread chromatographic techniques for determination of nonylphenol air sample. Material and methods: IOM sampler and adsorption tube with Amberlite XAD-2 resin connected to a 2 Lmin-1 aspirator were used to isolate the inhaled and respirable fraction of particles and the gaseous phase of 4-nonylphenol from the air. Nonylphenol was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (UHPLC/FL) and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC/MS). Results: For 4-nonylphenol the calibration range in the HPLC/FL method was from 3.25 to 130 ng mL-1. At the air intake of 720 L the determinability of 4.5 ng m-3 was obtained. Co-existing substances did not interfere. The possibility of using GC/MS technique for determination of alkylphenols was also checked. The calibration curve was performed in the range of 0.04 - 3.3 μg mL-1. Determination at the level of 53 ng m-3 was obtained. Conclusions: The method of air sampling shall ensure the quantitative separation of the substance present in the gaseous phase and in the particles. HPLC/FL has been chosen for the determination to give the lowest quantification for nonylphenol, which is important as it can occur in the working environment air at very low concentration levels.