Małgorzata Kida

A devised methodology presented here allows the determination of di-n-butyl phthalate in environmental samples (water and landfill leachate) using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography. It is developed based on the use of a gas chromatograph with an FID detector. Preliminary testing has also provided extraction parameters and conditions for chromatographic determination, with calibration applied by reference to an internal standard. The linearity of the calibration curve has been tested in DBP concentrations ranging from 0 to 7.5 mg/L, with the data obtained showing that, throughout this range, the detector readings as a function of the DBP concentrations remain linear (R2 coefficient >0.99). The average levels of recovery of DBP from aqueous solutions of phthalates are in the range of 97-109%, while the corresponding figures for leachates are 85-101%. The values of the coefficients of variation associated with the results obtained do not exceed 5%. The results, therefore, indicate that the applied extraction method is effective as regards DBP extraction from both water and landfill leachate, while numerous other substances present in the leachate from landfill sites apparently do not affect the correct determination of di-n-butyl phthalate by the method developed.

The research described here investigated the suitability of coagulation process in the elimination of microplastics from tap water. The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of microplastic type (PE1, PE2, PE3, PVC1, PVC2, and PVC3), tap water pH (3, 5, 7, and 9), coagulant doses (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 g/L), and microplastic concentration (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 g/L) on elimination efficiency with coagulation utilizing Al and Fe coagulants as well coagulation combined with a detergent (SDBS) addition. This work also explores the elimination of a mixture of two microplastics (PE and PVC) that are significant in terms of the environment. The effectiveness of conventional and detergent-assisted coagulation was calculated as a percentage. The fundamental characteristics of microplastics were also determined via LDIR analysis, and on the basis of these findings, particles that were more coagulation-prone were identified. The maximum reduction in MPs was achieved with tap water’s neutral pH and a coagulant dosage of 0.05 g/L. The addition of SDBS increased the loss of the plastic microparticles’ efficacy. A removal efficiency of greater than 95% (Al-coagulant) and 80% (Fe-coagulant) was achieved for each of the microplastics tested. The removal efficiency of the microplastic mixture with SDBS-assisted coagulation was obtained at a level of 95.92% (AlCl3·6H2O) and 98.9% (FeCl3·6H2O). After each coagulation procedure, the mean circularity and solidity of the unremoved particles increased. This confirmed that particles with irregular shapes are easier to completely remove.