Abstract

Background A chromium-based metal organic framework was synthesized and employed as an efficient sorbent for pipette tip micro-solid phase extraction and preconcentration of parabens from wastewater and shampoo samples up to sub-ppb level before their spectrophotometric analysis. Results Factors affecting preconcentration including volume and type of solvent, amount of sorbent, number of extraction, and volume and pH of samples were optimized employing one-variable-at-a-time and response surface methodology. Obtained analytical characteristics of the method proves its usefulness for analysis of real samples. Linear range of the method for parabens was 1.0-200.0 mu g/L. Detection limit of the protocol was 0.24 mu g/L for propyl paraben and 0.25 mu g/L for methyl paraben. Reproducibility of the protocol defined as RSD was better than 5.78. Synthesized adsorbent can be re-used for at least 20 extractions. Conclusion The method showed a good detection limit and precision for determination of methyl- and propyl-paraben in wastewater and shampoo samples.