The Malaysian Journal of Analytical Sciences Vol 16 No 1 (2012): 49 – 55

 

 

 

A STUDY ON the MIGRATION OF STYRENE

FROM POLYSTYRENE CUPS TO DRINKS USING Online solid-phase extraction liquid chromatography (SPE-LC)

 

(Kajian Mengenai Migrasi Stirena daripada Cawan Polistirena kepada Minuman Menggunakan Teknik Ekstraksi Fasa Pepejal Kromatografi Cecair (SPE-LC))

 

Norashikin Saim, Rozita Osman^*, Hurin Ain Wan Abi Sabian, Mohamad Rafaie Mohamed Zubir,

Nazarudin Ibrahim

 

Faculty of Applied Sciences,

Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Selangor

 

*Corresponding author: rozit471@salam.uitm.edu.my

 

 

Abstract

The migration of residual styrene from polystyrene cups to drinks has been a major concern in recent years worldwide. In this study, a three-factor response surface experimental design was used to evaluate the interactive effects of temperature (30-80 ºC), pH (5-7) and contact time (35-120 min) on the migration of styrene from polystyrene cups into water. Online solid-phase extraction liquid chromatography (SPE-LC) with diode array detector (DAD) was used for the separation and detection of styrene. Initial temperature of water was found significant in increasing the rate of migration of styrene whereas the effect of contact time was less significant. In terms of interactions between the effects, the relation between temperature and pH was the most significant. The amount of styrene in water varied from 0.3 to 4.2 μg/L with maximum migration obtained at initial water temperature of 80 °C and pH 5.

 

Keywords:  migration of styrene, experimental design, polystyrene cups

 

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