DETERMINATION OF BENZENE IN BEVERAGES BY SOLID-PHASE MICROEXTRACTION AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

Abstract

In this study, a simple and fast method was developed for the analysis of benzene in beverage samples using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC). The influence of factors such as extraction temperature, extraction time and addition of sodium chloride on extraction yield was studied through a multivariate experimental design. Satisfactory recoveries (≥73%) and precision, calculated as relative standard deviations (RSD ≤ 9.1%), were obtained. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 µg L –1 was achieved for benzene along with a wide linear range of concentration. The applicability of the proposed method was demonstrated for real samples including soft-drink, juice and tea samples. Since no matrix effects were observed, quantification could readily be carried out by external calibration with standards prepared in deionized water.