Determination of chlorinated phenolics in freshwater sediments

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Abstract
A comparative study of seven different methods for analysing chlorinated phenolics in sediment was made. It included extraction of phenols with organic solvents with different methods and extraction of phenolate anions with alkaline water solutions. The most efficient extract was strong alkali, 6 M KOH, mixed with methanol. To describe the performance of the method accuracy, precision (reproducibility and repeatability) and limit of detection were determined. Other aspects (contact time, degradation, sediment quality) concerning comparative method study were also examined. A contact time of 48 h was needed the compounds to reach the sorption equilibrium and the time lag should also be applied for spiking to obtain relevant results. Biodegradation was not significant in the first 48 hours. The recovery of the compounds is dependent on the sediment quality, which was indicated in a recovery study of six different sediments.