Determination of Poly(oxyethylene)alkyl ether in Environmental Water

Abstract

A simultaneous analysis method for poly(oxyethylene)alkyl ethers (AEs) in environmental water was developed using solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The target substances were those with an alkyl group that had 9–15 carbon atoms and an ethylene oxide molar addition of 1–15 (C9-15EO1-15). The electrospray ionization technique was used in the LC/MS/MS measurement. The method detection limit (MDL) of C12EOns, which is the main component of the AEs, ranged from 0.00043 μg/L for C12EO8 to 0.0052 μg/L for C12EO1, with the total MDL being 0.020 μg/L. The method quantification limit (MQL) ranged from 0.0011 μg/L for C12EO8 to 0.013 μg/L for C12EO1, with the total MQL being 0.052 μg/L. The total MDL and MQL of C9-15EO1-15 were 0.14 μg/L and 0.36 μg/L respectively. Tokoro River water samples were analyzed using this method. In 15 surveys, the concentration of AEs ranged from 0.0080 μg/L to 1.2 μg/L, and C12EOns were the main substances in all samples. The distribution of the number of EO additional moles of C12EOns differed depending on the sample. This is thought to be because of the different uses of the discharged AE products.