Determination of phenols by HPLC down to PPT levels

Summary A mixture of eleven priority pollutant phenols (PPP) have been separated using a Dionex 4000 chromatograph; VAL-U-PAK ODS (250 × 4.6 mm I.D.) column; eluents A: CH₃CN/0.2M NaH₂PO₄/CH₃COOH 40/60/1 and B: CH₃CN with/without gradient; detectors: UV-254 nm and Pulse Amperometric Detector (PAD) with glassycarbon electrode (+1.20V). With preconcentration unit (guard RP-18 column) on line and PAD, detectability limit at ten ppt was achieved. The method has been applied for determination of PPP in tap-water and in leachates from sanitary and industrial landfill sites.