We are pleased to share news about a groundbreaking and cost-effective technique developed for identifying phenolic compounds in water, representing a significant stride forward in addressing environmental contamination.
Why is this development so important?
Phenols are recognized as priority pollutants by both the US EPA and the EU. They pose serious dangers to both ecological systems and human health. However, conventional analytical methods commonly employed, such as Gas Chromatography (GC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), have significant limitations:
They tend to be expensive and challenging to use.
They frequently necessitate a process called derivatization, adding both time and complexity.
They struggle with detecting very low concentrations (trace levels) in actual water samples.
The Innovation: Combining Dual Detection with Simplicity
Researchers at the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, specifically within the Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control (KLATEFOS), under the leadership of Prof. Pham Hung Viet, have devised a transformative approach:
They utilize Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), which eliminates the need for derivatization and helps reduce costs.
The method incorporates dual optical detection (using LED-induced fluorescence alongside UV detection), which boosts both the sensitivity and the ability to differentiate between substances.
An optimized liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) step is included to improve the concentration of pollutants before analysis, particularly for complex real-world water samples.
Key Advantages:
This novel methodology offers several crucial benefits:
It is more budget-friendly compared to traditional chromatographic techniques.
It is capable of detecting phenols even at trace levels (even in highly diluted samples).
The method is adaptable, meaning it can be used for various related phenolic compounds.
Real-World Application
This technique holds particular promise for monitoring water quality in Vietnam’s craft villages, areas where water pollution is a notable concern. By making phenol analysis more accessible and improving its precision, this innovation can support stronger environmental protection efforts.
Our sincere appreciation goes out to Prof. Pham Hung Viet and the KLATEFOS team for their dedicated and excellent work on this research. Their efforts are driving innovation towards a healthier environment.