A method for the collection and determination of phenol and bisphenol A in air.

An analytical method has been developed for the determination of phenol and bisphenol A in air. Air samples are concentrated on commercial silica by the well established tube-pump method. The trapped components are desorbed and analyzed by HPLC using UV detection at 275 nm. The method has been validated for a concentration range of 0.5-50 mg m-3 (based on a 10-l air sample) for both compounds. Linearity of response, adsorption/desorption efficiency, influence of humidity on sample collection and influence of temperature and time on storage of collected samples were studied. The reported technique provides a selective and sensitive method for environmental monitoring in industrial atmospheres as well as for personnel exposure measurement.