A simple, rapid and efficient solid-phase extraction method based on synthesized carbon nanodots was developed for the preconcentration and extraction of personal care products and organophosphorus pesticides in environmental matrices. Factorial (screening) and central composite designs were employed for the optimization of experimental conditions that could potentially influence the percentage recoveries of the target analytes. The experimental variables, including sample pH, mass of adsorbent, eluent volume and sample volume, were examined. Under the optimized conditions, the developed method was validated, and acceptable analytical results obtained showed good performance. The method accuracy carried out at two spiking levels (10 and 100 μg L-1) in different sample matrices ranged between 63 and 120%. The method precision based on relative standard deviation (% RSD) was < 10%. The linear range studied had a determination coefficient of (R2 > 0.995). The limits of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) established varied between 0.015-0.125 and 0.05-0.415 μg L-1 ,respectively. The ensuing method was applied successfully in the determination of the five multi-class organic compounds under study, in influent and effluent wastewater matrices, sampled from a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Pretoria, South Africa.
Keywords: Carbon nanodots; Factorial design; Organophosphorus pesticides; Parabens; Solid-phase extraction; Wastewater.