Development of the analytical method for 1,4-dioxane in water by liquid-liquid extraction

Abstract A convenient and simple method for the analysis of 1,4-dioxane in water was developed by liquid–liquid extraction combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and applied to the water samples in Korea. Evaluation of the liquid–liquid extraction method was demonstrated by comparing with two extraction methods, which were solid-phase extraction and purge and trap method. They were referred to the standard methods for the examination of water in Japan and U.S. EPA methods. Liquid–liquid extraction was conducted by using methylene chloride and sodium chloride. This method was combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Recoveries showed in the range from 86 to 102% with relative standard deviation of 3.0 to 5.2%. The correlation coefficient of the linear regression curve was above 0.99 and method detection limit of 1,4-dioxane was 0.2 ng mL −1 for 20 mL of water sample. The precision and accuracy were obtained within error rate of 9%. 1,4-Dioxane was detected in the treated water and raw water near Nakdong River from 0 to 240.0 ng mL −1 . It has surveyed constantly with the national problem in Korea. The developed method may be suitable to analyze and observe 1,4-dioxane regularly.