Determination of nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates in pulp samples by Py-GC/MS

We have developed a method for ascertaining the presence of nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) in pulp samples at very low levels. The method entails pre-concentration of the compounds and their detection by Py-GC/MS. Solvent extraction of the compounds from pulps with acetone gives better recoveries than desorption of the compounds from the pulps by gas stripping. The detection limit for NPEs with our technique is as low as 0.003 ppm in pulp sheets.