Optimising the operating parameters of oil palm frond silica-based dispersive solid phase extraction for determination of organochlorine pesticides

Abstract

This study investigated the development of silica particles derived from oil palm fronds (OPF-Si) as a potential sorbent for determining organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in aqueous samples. The technology applied is the dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) followed by a chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The OPF-Si was prepared via acid and thermal treatment and characterised using FT-IR and XRD to confirm its structural formation. Aldrin and Dieldrin were selected as the model analytes to examine the feasibility and performance of the OPF-Si-based DSPE to detect OCPs. The one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) experimental approach was employed to investigate four significant variables for DSPE, including extraction time, desorption time, desorption solvent and mass of sorbent. As a result, the optimum extraction conditions were as follows: 40 mg of mass sorbent, 15 min extraction time, and n-hexane as desorption solvent at 5 min desorption time via sonication. The prepared sorbent showed a high affinity towards OCPs through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction.