Simultaneous determination of low molecule benzotriazoles and benzotriazole UV stabilizers in wastewater by ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction followed by GC–MS detection

Abstract A rapid, sensitive, economically and ecologically friendly method based on one-step ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction in situ derivatization followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of low molecular benzotriazoles benzotriazole-based ultraviolet filters was developed. The optimized allows quantification benzotriazole, 4-methylbenzotriazole, 5-methylbenzotriazole; 5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-(2?-hydroxy-3?-tert-butyl-5?-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzortriazole 2-(2?-hydroxy-5?-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl)benzotriazole municipal industrial (dairy) wastewater. validated using real influent effluent wastewater samples at various stages the purification process. Relative recoveries obtained as sample matrix were between 77 137%, limits detection from 0.001 to 0.035 µg/L, 0.003 0.116 repeatability expressed coefficient variation did not exceed 12%. use tested compounds showed their presence most samples, concentrations LoD 6.110 µg/L. conducted studies treatment plant located north-east Poland that effectiveness benzotriazole removal this wasfrom 29 84%. load released into environment facility ranges 2 269 mg/day/1000 inhabitants.