Novel Preparation and Analysis Method for Triclosan and Methyl Triclosan in Biosolids

Oral Presentation

Prepared by M. Bozlee
Center for Urban Waters-Environmental Services Laboratory, 326 East D Street, Tacoma, WA, 98421, United States


Contact Information: MBozlee@CityofTacoma.org; 253-573-2549


ABSTRACT

The antimicrobial chemical triclosan is present in a myriad of products that eventually end up in wastewater treatment plants. This compound and its metabolite methyl triclosan remain in biosolids treated for use on agricultural lands and domestic gardening. Triclosan presents a host of environmental concerns and methyl triclosan is assumed to have similar dangers. This is a simple and rapid method for extraction of triclosan and methyl triclosan from the complex matrix of biosolids/paper mulch samples and analysis by GC/MS-MS. No derivatization or clean up steps are needed, resulting in significant time savings. Samples are milled to a fine powder, placed in a test tube and vortexed with methylene chloride, sonicated and filtered. The analysis uses matrix matched standards that significantly enhance the response of triclosan and lower the reporting limit (RL) by a factor of 10. Components within the matrix matched paper mulch act as a matrix enhancer. The quantitative analysis is carried out using isotopic dilution to enhance precision and accuracy. This method will be used to investigate the use of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) as a bioremediation agent to remove triclosan from biosolids.