Optimization of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Method for the Detection of Phthalate Acid Esters (PAEs)

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are endocrine disruptors and significant environmental pollutants that are frequently used as plasticizers in consumer and industrial products. Sensitive, repeatable analytical techniques are necessary for the accurate detection of PAEs in environmental matrices. Four important PAEs were quantitatively determined in this study using an optimized high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method in conjunction with a UV-Vis detector: dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Excellent separation was accomplished in 20 minutes using a Shimadzu LC-20 AD system with a C18 column and a gradient mode 90:10 acetonitrile–water mobile phase. At 4.3, 5.7, 13.5, and 15.7 minutes, respectively, retention times were reported. In addition to 20 µL offering the best peak resolution, the technique showed excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99), accuracy, and repeatability across a range of injection volumes. For routine monitoring of PAEs in environmental water and sediment samples, this easy-to-use, quick, and affordable HPLC-UV technique is an efficient substitution for more complicated chromatographic techniques like GC-MS or HPLC-MS/MS.