Browsing by Author "Vidjeskog, Katarina"

The theoretical framework of this thesis discusses environmental issues related to detrimental estrogen-type compounds, with the focus being on phthalates and bisphenols. It also outlines how estrogenic activity works and how detriments affect natural hormone activity. The two varieties of phthalates and bisphenols explored in more detail are two compounds widely generated by industry, i.e. bisphenol A ja bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The separation methods used for analyzing these compounds are also explained, particularly extraction techniques applied between 2010 and 2016, together with various detection methods such as mass spectometry. The experimental part of the thesis analyzes environmental and household water by means of micellar microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) using UV absorption detection. Solid phase extraction (SPE) was applied to concentrate and determine the samples. Compounds looked for in the water samples were corticosteroids, androgens, estrogenes and progesterones. In addition, bisphenol A and phtalates were examined. Steroids detected were hydrocortisone, androstendione, 17-α-methyltestosterone, testosterone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone and progesterone. Of the other compounds, dietyl phtalate was observed. SPE proved an efficient concentration method for water samples with a concentration coefficient of 10,000. Sample preprocessing enabled elimination of matrix effect on the quantitative definition. Microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography provided sample separation efficiency for qualitative and quantitative determination of steroids. Steroid amounts found in the water samples were measured using the scale ng/L-pg/L.