Matrix-elimination with steam distillation for determination of short-chain fatty acids in hypersaline waters from pre-salt layer by ion-exclusion chromatography

A method for determination of formic, acetic, propionic and butyric acids in hypersaline waters by ion-exclusion chromatography (IEC), using steam distillation to eliminate matrix-interference, was developed. The steam distillation variables such as type of solution to collect the distillate, distillation time and volume of the 50% v/v H2SO4 solution were optimized. The effect of the addition of NaCl different concentrations to the calibration standards on the carboxylic acid recovery was also investigated. Detection limits of 0.2, 0.5, 0.3 and 1.5 mg L−1 were obtained for formic, acetic, propionic and butyric acids, respectively. Produced waters from petroleum reservoirs in the Brazilian pre-salt layer containing about 19% m/v of NaCl were analyzed. Good recoveries (99–108%) were obtained for all acids in spiked produced water samples.

► Organic acids in hypersaline waters were determined by IEC after steam distillation.
► High concentrations of NaCl (ca. 19% m/v) were contained in these waters.
► The steam distillation variables were optimized.
► Good limits of detection were obtained.
► Spiked produced water samples from Brazilian petroleum reservoirs were used to validate the proposed method.