Optimization of a matrix solid-phase dispersion method with sequential clean-up for the determination of alkylphenol ethoxylates in biological tissues

A modified Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion (MSPD) method with sequential clea n-up has been developed to isolate and purify alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs ) and alkylphenols in biological tissues. Elution profile, sequential clean -up adsorbent and experimental set up were optimized. Octadecylsilica was u sed as the solid-phase for matrix dispersion. Methanol was found to be the optimal eluting solvent for APEs. Aluminum oxide was quite efficient for re moving the coeluting interferences. Quantitative analysis was done by rever sed-phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. The optimized procedure was app lied to analyze both fish and mussel samples. Average recoveries for all sp iked tissue samples were greater than 90%. Typical limits of detection amou nt to tens of ppbs on a wet weight basis. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.