Application of an automated indentification and quantification system with a GC/MS database (AIQS-DB) for simultaneous analysis of phthalate esters and sterols in air particles

Abstract

The aim of this study is to apply an automated identification and quantification system with a GC-MS database (AIQS-DB) for simultaneous analysis of phthalate esters (PAEs) and sterols in air particles. Air particles samples were collected on the roof of a buildingnear congested traffic road (Pham Van Dong street, Ha Noi) (AP1) and in a highly populatedresidential area (Phu Do town) (AP2). At each sampling location, samples were collected separately for 10 hours each at day and night, during continuously 6 days by Kimoto high-volume air sampler. Air particle samples were then extracted by dichloromethane and quantified by GC/MS instrument with the AIQS-DB. Analytical results of 12 PAEs and 13 sterols in air particles samples showed that five out of 12 PAEs and seven out of 13 sterols were detected. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-iso-butyl phthalate (DiBP) concentrations were highest, contributed 94 % of the total detected phthalates concentration. Cholesterol and beta-sitosterol were detected in all the samples and their total concentration contributed over 70 % of the total detected sterols concentration at Phu Do town. This is the first study on the application of AIQS-GC for simultaneous determination of PAE and sterols in the air particle. This finding provides new important information about the level and occurrence of sterol in air in Viet Nam.