Study on GC/MS analytical methods for branced nonylphenol isomers

Abstract

   Nonylphenol (NP) is the typical chemical substance which has an adverse effect on the environment and humans. Branched NP isomers were identified by GC/MS with HP-5MS separation column. A high sensitivity quantitative analysis method was developed by using a selected ion monitoring technique with 6 fragment ions (m/ z: 107, 121, 135, 149, 163, and 220). The detection limit was confirmed at 0.13-0.8 ng/L. The qualitative analysis of NP isomers in the influent water and final effluent of a sewage.treatment plant was operated. 17 kinds of NP isomers were detected in influent water and 11 kinds of NP isomers were detected in the final effluent. The result suggested that 90% of NP isomers were removed by the sewage plant.