A rapid method for determining phenolic endocrine disrupters in water samples

We have developed a method based on solid-phase extraction coupled on-line to liquid chromatography with UV detection (SPE-HPLC-UV) to determine bisphenol A and a group of alkylphenols, which have been recognized as endocrine disrupters (ED), in water samples. We optimized the conditions used for both SPE and the chromatography. The SPE-HPLC-UV method developed is rapid and it enables routine analysis. Its performance was checked with a variety of aqueous samples collected in the south of Catalonia from the Ebro river, from the sea, and from tapwater- and waste-water-treatment plants. Drinking water in plastic bottles was also analyzed. The method enabled determination of ED at low levels; the limits of detection were between 0.01 and 0.1 mug L-1. Bisphenol A and nonylphenol were detected in some samples.