Levels of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) in waters and sediments of the coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Cadiz

The observed concentration of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) in some coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Cadiz are a function of the lack of sewage treatment plants, the water depth and the rate of renewal of the receiving water course. Concentration ranging from 2 to 510 μg.L‐1 were found in the waters of the Bay of Cadiz. Concentrations of LAS in sediments ranged from 0.4 to 49 μg g‐1. A procedure based on solid phase extraction has been developed for the isolation and concentration of LAS in environmental samples; this enables the subsequent determination of the concentrations of both total LAS and its individual homologues in marine samples with a complex organic matrix by liquid chromatography. It is a simple, sensitive and specific method.