Analytical Techniques for the Quantitation of Substituted Phenols in Municipal Sludges

Municipal sewage sludges were characterized for a group of phenols classified as priority pollutants. The development of analytical methodology, including unique problems encountered when sampling, handling and analyzing phenolic compounds, are discussed. Percent recovery data for several sample types, as well as quality control procedures, are included. Samples were extracted via a liquid/liquid extraction centrifugation technique with dichloromethane. Cleanup was achieved by acid/base partitioning and automated gel permeation chromatography. Reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography was used for separation of compounds employing an electrochemical detection system for quantitation. Sensitivities in the low picogram range were achieved for phenolic species in biosludge extract.