Analysis of Phenols in Tap Water Using GC/MS

Introduction

The method specified by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare (Notice No. 261, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 22 July 2003) in accordance with the provisions of ministerial ordinances on water-quality standards was partially revised on 30 March 2005 (Notice No. 125, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). In the analysis of phenols, the elution solvent used after solid-phase extraction was changed from dichloromethane to ethyl acetate, and a concentration procedure was added after elution. The following six phenols are the targets of analysis: phenol, 2-chlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol, 2,4- dichlorophenol, 2,6-dichlorophenol, and 2,4,6 trichlorophenol. After measuring the concentration of each constituent, these concentrations are converted into phenol concentrations, and then added together to obtain the total phenol concentration. The limit is 5 μg/L. Although the toxicity of phenol itself is a problem, even a low concentration of chlorophenols can give rise to an unpleasant odor and taste, and so measurement is considered indispensable. An example of phenol measurement performed using solid-phase extraction, derivatization, and GC/MS is presented here. This method complies with Notice No. 261 issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (partially revised in 2005 by Notice No. 125).

February 27, 2007 GMT