Identification and quantification of n-octyl esters of alkanoic and hexanedioic acids and phthalates as urban wastewater markers in biota and sediments from estuarine areas☆

Abstract A gas chromatographic method for the identification and quantification of n -octyl esters (from n -octyl tetradecanoate to n -octyl hexacosanoate including dioctyl hexanedioate) and phthalates [dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate] in sediments and biota from estuarine environments is described. Standards used for identification and quantification of some n -octyl esters were synthesized. The method has allowed the analysis of these compounds in polychaeta ( Nereis diversicolor ), oysters ( Crassostea angulata ), crabs ( Carcinus maenas ) and fish ( Chelon labrosus , Platichtys flesus and Chondostroma polylepis ) that were collected at different locations of the Urdaibai estuary (Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain). Total phthalates and n -octyl esters ranged between 0.01 and 12 μg g −1 and 0.05 and 9.4 μg g −1 , respectively, and were predominantly found in polychaeta and fish. Sediments did not contain these compounds in significant amount, only benzyl butyl phthalate, dioctyl hexanedioate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were found above limit of detection (0.01–0.05 μg g −1 ).