Analysis of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate homologues in environmental water samples by mixed admicelle-based extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

Hemimicelles and admicelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), adsorbed onto silica, were tested as sorbents for the solid phase extraction (SPE) of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) homologues from environmental water samples. LASs were quantitatively retained on both surfactants due to high hydrophobic and ionic interactions, which led to the formation of analyte–extractant mixed aggregates. Parameters affecting the SPE of LASs were optimised. Recoveries of analytes from wastewater influent and effluent and river water samples ranged between 86 and 110%. Combination of SPE with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry provided detection limits for the different LAS homologues of about 4 ng L−1. The precision of the method, expressed as relative standard deviation, ranged from 5 to 9%. The method was applied to the analysis of LASs in wastewater and river samples using sample volumes between 10 and 25 mL. The LAS concentrations found ranged from 9 to 503 µg L−1. No cleaning step was required to get accurate results.