Determination of parabens using two microextraction methods coupled with capillary liquid chromatography-UV detection

Recent Advances in Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for Pharmaceutical Analysis

Sample clean-up and pre-concentration are critical components of pharmaceutical analysis. The dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) technique is widely recognized as the most effective approach for enhancing overall detection sensitivity. While various DLLME modes have been advanced in pharmaceutical analysis, there need to be more discussions on pre-concentration techniques specifically developed for this field. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the different DLLME modes used in pharmaceutical analysis from 2017 to May 2023. The review covers the principles of DLLME, the factors affecting microextraction, the selected applications of different DLLME modes, and their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it focuses on multi-extraction strategies employed for pharmaceutical analysis.

A magnetic stir bar sorbent of metal organic frameworks, carbon foam decorated zinc oxide and cryogel to enrich and extract parabens and bisphenols from food samples

A porous composite magnetic stir bar adsorbent was fabricated for the extraction and enrichment of parabens and bisphenols from selected beverage samples. The adsorbent comprised a metal organic framework, carbon foam decorated zinc oxide and magnetic nanoparticles embedded in polyvinyl alcohol cryogel. The porous composite stir bar adsorbent could adsorb parabens and bisphenols via hydrogen bonding, π-π and hydrophobic interactions. In the best conditions, linearity was good from 5.0 to 200.0 µg/L for methyl paraben, ethyl paraben and bisphenol A and from 10.0 to 200.0 µg/L for bisphenol B and butyl paraben. Limits of detection ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 µg/L. The developed composite stir bar was successfully applied to extract and determine parabens and bisphenols in fruit juice, beer and milk. Recoveries ranged from 89.5 to 99.5 % with RSDs lower than 6 %. The developed sorbent and new methodology were evaluated in terms of its green character with satisfactory results.

Preparation and application of an imidazolium-based poly (ionic liquid) functionalized silica sorbent for solid-phase extraction of parabens from food samples

In this work, an imidazolium-based poly (ionic liquid) (poly(1-octyl-3-vinyl- imidazolium naphthalene sulfonate)) functionalized silica (poly(C8VIm+NapSO3-) @SiO2) was successfully prepared for the determination of parabens in food samples. The prepared poly(C8VIm+NapSO3-)@SiO2 was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectrogram (XPS) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The simulation calculation results indicated that the suitable binding energies were between the polymeric ionic liquids and parabens, and the main interactions for extraction were hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and π-π stacking interactions. In addition, compared with commercial extraction materials, the prepared poly(C8VIm+NapSO3-)@SiO2 sorbent showed comparable or even better extraction performance towards parabens. The effective parameters were optimized by a combination of the univariate method and Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under the optimum conditions, coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), wide linear ranges (1.0-800 μg L-1), good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9997) and low limits of detection (0.1 μg L-1) were obtained. In addition, the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were all lower than 6.3%. Moreover, the proposed method was successfully used for the determination of parabens in food samples and satisfactory recoveries in the range of 76.9-97.4% were obtained. The results indicated that the proposed method had good sensitivity, accuracy and precision for the detection of parabens in food samples.

Aromatic hydrocarbons extracted by headspace and microextraction methods in water-soluble fractions from crude oil, fuels and lubricants

Two extraction protocols were developed for the determination of mono- and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons in water-soluble fractions from gasoline, diesel, crude, mineral insulating, and lubricant oils. Development of the procedures was based on clean miniaturized strategies, such as headspace extraction and vortex-assisted dispersive liquid micro-extraction, together with quantification by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The mono-aromatic hydrocarbons were extracted using the headspace extraction method. The linear range obtained was 10-500 µg L^-1, with r² > 0.99. Based on the parameters of the analytical curves, detection and quantification limits of 2.56-3.20 and 7.76-9.71 µg L^-1 were estimated. In addition, the method showed adequate recoveries of 69.4-83.5%, with a satisfactory precision of 4.7-17.1% (n = 5). Micro-extraction was applied for the poly-aromatics and the most favorable variables were sample volume (5.00 mL) in sodium chloride medium (1%, w/v), trichloromethane as extractor solvent (75 µL), acetone as disperser (925 µL) and vortexing for 1 min. Under these conditions, analytical curves of 0.15-4.00 µg L^-1 were obtained and limits of determination and quantification were 0.03-0.15 and 0.09-0.46 µg L^-1, respectively. Recovery values of 87.6-124.5% and a maximum relative standard deviation of 18.9% (n = 5) verify satisfactory accuracy and precision. This led to the achievement of enrichment factors for poly-aromatic hydrocarbons of 41-89 times. Finally, the methods were employed in samples of water-soluble fractions for the determination of analytes. The values followed the order: gasoline > diesel > crude > lubricant > mineral insulating oil. These results indicate an increase in lighter fractions, followed by poly-aromatics in more refined products.

Extraction and pre-concentration of parabens in liquid pharmaceutical samples by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on deep eutectic solvents

In this paper dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction using deep eutectic solvent (DES), as an extraction solvent, was applied for the pre-concentration and determination of parabens in liquid pharmaceutical samples. A DES composed of a hydrogen bond acceptor [choline chloride (ChCl)] and a hydrogen bond donor (glucose) achieved the highest extraction efficiency. Therefore, this solvent was selected as the extraction solvent. After the synthesis of this solvent, its various properties were investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for this purpose and the successful synthesis of the solvent was confirmed. HPLC with photodiode array detection was used for the analysis of paraben species. Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were monitored and optimized through univariate analysis and experimental design. Under the optimal conditions (pH of aqueous solution 4.5, ethanol as the disperser solvent, and glucose DES as the extraction solvent), the linearity range of 0.1-5000 ng mL^-1 was obtained with the coefficient of determination (R² ) between 0.993 and 0.9962. Limits of detections ranged from 0.04 to 0.15 ng mL^-1 , with relative standard deviations from 1.8% to 6.8%. The developed method was applied to the determination of parabens in liquid pharmaceuticals such as ampule, syrups, and nose drop samples. A certain amount of paraben was added to the tested real samples to increase their shelf life. The relative recoveries in these real samples ranged between 80.9% and 103.1%.

Ultrasound-assisted cloud point microextraction of certain preservatives in real samples and determination by HPLC

Ultrasound-assisted cloud point microextraction (UA-CPME) was performed for certain preservatives (p-hydroxy benzoic acid and its alkyl esters, methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl parabens). Then, an HPLC method was developed for their simultaneous determination in pharmaceutical and cosmetic samples. The chromatograms of these substances were recorded on a C18 column using a gradient elution technique with various solvent systems at different flow rates and at 254 nm wavelength using a diode-array detector (DAD). The analysis conditions found by the classical method were optimized using the Box-Behnken design (BBD). In the design, the effect of each factor was examined with 3 and 4 factors for UA-CPME and HPLC analyses, respectively. The brij 58 concentration (BC), Na₂SO₄ amount (SA) and extraction time (ET) for UA-CPME, and the mobile phase 1 (MP1) ratio, mobile phase 2 (MP2) ratio, flow rate (FR) and column temperature parameters for HPLC analysis were obtained for the investigated levels. The factors affecting the resolution were determined by applying regression analysis to the experimental results. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was applied to ensure result reliability. The ANOVA test was used to determine the reliability of the results. A model was created with the obtained data. The developed method was validated by examining linearity, reproducibility, accuracy, limit of quantification and limit of the detection. Methyl paraben (with 0.148% RSD value and 0.060% relative error), and propyl paraben (with 0.149% RSD value and 0.120% relative error) were determined in the syrup sample by the developed method. Methyl paraben with recovery values of (98.32-99.42)% and ethyl paraben with recovery values of (99.17-99.41)%, were determined in a hand cream.

Determination of Parabens, Bisphenol A and Its Analogs, Triclosan, and Benzophenone-3 Levels in Human Urine by Isotope-Dilution-UPLC-MS/MS Method Followed by Supported Liquid Extraction

The development of a rapid analytical approach for determining levels of antibacterial agents, plasticizers, and ultraviolet filters in biosamples is crucial for individual exposure assessment. We developed an analytical method to determine the levels of four parabens—bisphenols A (BPA) and its analogs, triclosan (TCS), triclocarban, and benzophenone-3 (BP-3)—in human urine. We further measured the levels of these chemicals in children and adolescents. We used a supported liquid extraction (SLE) technique coupled with an isotope-dilution ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-UPLC-MS/MS) method to assess the detection performance for these chemicals. Forty-one urine samples from 13 children and 28 adolescents were assessed to demonstrate the capability and feasibility of our method. An acceptable recovery (75.6–102.4%) and matrix effect (precision < 14.2%) in the three-level spiked artificial urine samples were achieved, and good performance of the validated ID-UPLC-MS/MS method regarding linearity, limits of detection, and quantitation was achieved. The within-run and between-run accuracy and precision also demonstrated the sensitivity and stability of this analytical method, applied after SLE. We concluded that the ID-UPLC-MS/MS method with SLE pretreatment is a valuable analytical method for the investigation of urinary antibacterial agents, plasticizers, and ultraviolet filters in humans, useful for human biomonitoring.

An in vitro assessment for human skin exposure to parabens using magnetic solid phase extraction coupled with HPLC

Skin contact was a significant source of human exposure to parabens during the use of personal care products. In this study, a novel and simple in vitro evaluation method for human skin exposure to parabens was established for the first time. Firstly, magnetic porous carbon (MPC) derived from discarded cigarette butts was prepared as an adsorbent of magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE), which provided a fast and efficient sample preparation method with satisfactory extraction performance for parabens in cosmetics and was easy to couple with high performance liquid chromatography. Secondly, the extraction conditions were optimized including the etching ratio of KOH, amount of MPC, extraction time, pH, salt concentration, desorption solvent volume and desorption time. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection were between 0.25 and 0.34 ng mL^-1 and the spiked recoveries were in the range of 85.8-112.6%. Thirdly, the developed method was successfully employed to determine five typical parabens in real unspiked cosmetic samples, and two parabens were detected at a relatively high level. Then, the developed method was applied to in vitro assays. The absorbable dose of parabens in cream was investigated and in vitro experiments were further designed with agarose-simulated skin to demonstrate the penetration ability of parabens. In conclusion, these results indicated that parabens did have the risk of entering the body through the skin and the exposure was preferably no more than 3 h with skin contact.

Dispersive magnetic solid phase microextraction on microfluidic systems for extraction and determination of parabens

In this study, a customized microfluidic system was utilized for magnetic solid phase extraction of parabens. For this sake, magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with polyaniline to enable efficient extraction and magnetic separation of sorbents particles. The synthesized particles were extensively characterized in terms of morphology, composition, and magnetic properties. The utilized microfluidic platform consisted of a relatively long spiral microchannel fabricated through laser-cutting and multi-layered assembly. To obtain an efficient dispersion, simultaneous flows of sample solution and magnetic beads dispersion were introduced to the chip with the aid of two syringe pumps. In order to increase the stability of the dispersed nanoparticles in the aqueous solution, various chemical and instrumental parameters were investigated and optimized. In this context, exploitation of hydrophobic surfactants and surface charge manipulation of the particles was shown to be a highly promising approach for effective dispersion and maintenance of magnetic beads in long microfluidic channels. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curves were linear in the range of 5.0-1000.0 μg L^-1 for propyl paraben and 8.0-1000.0 μg L^-1 for methyl- and ethyl paraben with coefficients of determination greater than 0.992. Relative standard deviations were assessed as intra- and inter-day values which were less than 7.2% and the preconcentration factors in water were 10-15 for 100 μg L^-1 of parabens in water. Finally, the method was applied for the extraction of parabens from fruit juice, sunscreen, and urine samples which showed favorable accuracy and precision.

Strategies to improve the challenges of classic dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for determination of the parabens in personal care products-One step closer to green analytical chemistry

Gas flow-assisted dispersive liquid-phase microextraction based on deep eutectic solvent was used to determine parabens in personal care products such as mouthwash, lidocaine gel, aloe vera gel, and skin tonic. A homemade extraction device was innovated, in which by passing the stream of gas bubbles through the deep eutectic solvent a thin layer of the extraction phase is coated on the surface of the bubbles. The extraction is finally achieved when the bubbles are going up through the sample. The single-factor experiments and response surface methodology were applied to optimize the independent variables. The linear range of the method was 0.5 to 1000 µg L^-1, the coefficient of determination for the goal analytes was higher than 0.9989, the instrumental limit of detections were in the range 0.2-0.3 μg L^-1, and the instrumental limit of quantifications were in the range 0.5-1.1 μg L^-1, the relative standard deviations were <5.2% for repeatability and <11.2% for intermediate precision, and the enrichment factors were 66 to 87 obtained under the optimized conditions. A spiking approach by means of standard material was used to estimate accuracy. The relative recoveries were in the range 95.8-105.2%. By using mentioned strategies, the organic waste and energy consumption reduced, toxic reagents replaced with safer ones, and operator safety enhanced. Accordingly, these benefits have been simultaneously attained and, the proposed method was one step closer to automation and sustainable analytical chemistry.

Chitosan-Ni/Fe layered double hydroxide composites as an efficient solid phase extraction sorbent for HPLC-PDA monitoring of parabens in personal care products

There is a dire need for development of efficient and sensitive methods to efficiently screen parabens. In this research, we focused on quantification of four parabens (i.e., methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), and butyl paraben (BP)) using chitosan intercalated nickel/iron layered double hydroxide (CS-Ni/Fe-LDH) composites as solid phase extraction sorbent prior to HPLC-PDA analysis. CS-Ni/Fe LDH composites with a heterogeneous, porous texture, and coral reef-like structure exhibit appealing extraction efficiency for the target parabens due to the enhanced possibility for the formation of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The performance of the composites was assessed and optimized for solid phase extraction of parabens from standard samples and real samples (rose water, cream, toothpaste, hair serum, and sunscreen). The LDH-SPE-HPLC method exhibited a wide linear range (e.g., 100-50,000 ng L^-1), good linearity (R² ≥ 0.999), and good precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 3%). This method successfully enriched selected parabens with remarkable recovery above 85.95% and a good RSD (0.01-2.90%). The quantitation of MP, EP, PP, and BP was made at detection range (and limits of detection (LOD)) of 5-15 (9.8), 11-21 (16.2), 6-18 (12.4), and 10-20 (15.6) ng L^-1, respectively. The prepared composites also displayed excellent performance with enhanced reusability/durability (n = 30 cycles) and reproducibility (n = 5).

Microextraction by packed sorbent optimized by statistical design of experiment as an approach to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of HPLC-UV determination of parabens in cosmetics

A new approach to the quantitative analysis of parabens (PBs) in cosmetics, based on microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) followed by HPLC-UV detection is proposed. The development of optimal conditions for the sample preparation step was carried out in two stages. The potentially important factors that could influence the extraction were screened using the Plackett-Burman design approach, as a result of which, three statistically significant factors were selected from the nine studied. Thereafter, the selected variables were optimized by response surface methodology using a Central Composite Design. Under optimal conditions, the linear ranges for PBs analysis in cosmetic samples were 0.05-4 μg/mL with excellent precision. Limits of detection (LOD) of PBs in cosmetic samples were 2-5 ng/mL, and the extraction recovery ranged from 89 to 105 %. By comparing the chromatograms of the diluted shampoo sample before and after MEPS, the benefits of developed approach were shown. Then it was applied to the analysis of PBs in commercial hair cosmetic products: parabens were determined in all samples in which they were indicated on the package and in 1 of 12 samples labeled "paraben-free". Finally, the proposed method was compared with other analytical HPLC-UV methods with various sample pretreatment techniques for PBs analysis in cosmetics described in recent articles. Its sensitivity turned out to be one of the highest, while it is express, automated, meets the principles of green chemistry.

Simultaneous Determination of Isothiazolinones and Parabens in Cosmetic Products Using Solid-Phase Extraction and Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Diode Array Detector

Isothiazolinones methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), and parabens methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP) and butylparaben (BP) are the most common synthetic preservatives. They are all known to be potential skin allergens that lead to contact dermatitis. Thus, the identification of these unsafe chemicals in cosmetic products is of high importance. In the present study, solid-phase extraction (SPE) based on HyperSep reversed-phase C8/benzene sulfonic acid ion exchanger (HyperSep C8/BSAIE) and Sep-Pak C18 sorbents, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector (UHPLC/DAD) were optimized for the simultaneous determination of MI, MCI, MP, EP, PP and BP in cosmetic products. HyperSep C8/BSAIE and UHPLC/DAD with the eluting solvent mixture (acetonitrile/methanol, 2:1, v/v) and detection wavelength (255 nm) were found to be the optimal conditions, respectively. The method illustrates the excellent linearity range (0.008–20 μg/mL) with coefficient of determination (R², 0.997–0.999), limits of detection (LOD, 0.001–0.002 μg/mL), precision in terms of relative standard deviation (RSD < 3%, intra-day and <6%, inter-day) when examining a standard mixture at low (0.07 µg/mL), medium (3 µg/mL) and high (15 µg/mL) concentrations. A total of 31 cosmetic samples were studied, achieving concentrations (MI, not detected (nd)-0.89 µg/g), (MCI, nd-0.62 µg/g), (MP, nd-6.53 µg/g), (EP, nd-0.90 µg/g), (PP, nd-9.69 µg/g) and (BP, nd-17.80 µg/g). Recovery values ranged from 92.33 to 101.43% depending on the types of sample. To our knowledge, this is the first specific method which covers the theme and describes background amounts of such preservatives in cosmetics.

Miniaturized liquid chromatography applied to the analysis of residues and contaminants in food: A review

The humankind is pretty dependent on food to control several biological processes into the organism. As the world population increases, the demand for foodstuffs follows the same trend claiming for a high food production situation. For this reason, a substantial amount of chemicals is used in agriculture and livestock husbandries every year, enhancing the likelihood of contaminated foodstuffs being commercialized. This outlook becomes a public health concern; thus, the governmental regulatory agencies impose laws to control the residues and contaminants in food matrices. Currently, one of the most important analytical techniques to perform it is LC. Despite its already recognized effectiveness, it is often time consuming and requires significant volumes of reagents, which are transformed into toxic waste. In this context, miniaturized LC modes emerge as a greener and more effective analytical technique. They have remarkable advantages, including higher sensitivity, lower sample amount, solvent and stationary phase requirements, and more natural coupling to MS. In this review, most of the critical characteristics of them are discussed, focusing on the benchtop instruments and their related analytical columns. Additionally, a discussion regarding the last 10 years of publications reporting miniaturized LC application for the analysis of natural and industrial food samples is categorized. The main chemical classes as applied in the crops are highlighted, including pesticides, veterinary drugs, and mycotoxins.

Recent progress on carbon nanomaterials for the electrochemical detection and removal of environmental pollutants

Rapid global industrialization and explosive population growth have resulted in an increase in the discharge of harmful and toxic compounds. These toxic inorganic gases, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, personal care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals are destroying the balance in the Earth and increasing environmental toxicity at an alarming rate. Thus, their detection, adsorption and removal are of great significance. Various carbon nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, graphene, mesoporous carbon, carbon dots, and boron-doped diamond have been extensively utilized and further proven to be ideal candidates for resolving environmental problems, emerging as adsorbents, electrochemical sensors and electrodes. Herein, we review the recent advances, progress and achievements in the design and properties of carbon nanomaterials and their applications for the electrochemical detection and removal of environmental pollutants.

Hexafluoroisopropanol/Brij-35 based supramolecular solvent for liquid-phase microextraction of parabens in different matrix samples

A novel supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) based on hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)/Brij-35 was proposed for liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) of parabens in water samples, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Brij-35 is a cost-effective and non-toxic non-ionic surfactant, but it has a high cloud point (>100 °C). HFIP, with the features of strong hydrogen-bond donor, high density and powerful hydrophobicity, was used as the cloud point-reducing agent and self-assembling and density-regulating solvent of Brij-35. Upon adding HFIP into the Brij-35 aqueous solution, the cloud point of Brij-35 was decreased to below room temperature, and the SUPRAS was formed in the bottom over a wide range of HFIP and Brij-35 concentrations at room temperature. The SUPRAS was composed of Brij-35, HFIP and water, having a density larger than water, and it showed a large spherical structure of positive micellar aggregates (2-8 μm). The HFIP/ Brij-35 SUPRAS-based LPME procedure was non-thermodependent and could be performed at room temperature with centrifugation using normal centrifuge tubes, being very simple. In the extraction of six parabens, the HFIP/ Brij-35 SUPRAS-based LPME method showed short extraction time (3.3 min), low solvent consumption (0.3 mL), and large enrichment factor (26-193). The method of HFIP/ Brij-35 SUPRAS-based LPME with HPLC-DAD gave good linearity for the quantification of parabens with correlation coefficients larger than 0.9990. The limits of detection based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 were from 0.042 to 0.167 μg L^-1. The recoveries for the spiked real samples were in the range of 90.2-112.4% with relative standard deviation less than 8.9%. Except for tap water, one or several paraben (s) were detected in all the other real samples.

A Green and Rapid Analytical Method for the Determination of Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanone in Cosmetic Products by Liquid Chromatography

An analytical method for the determination of hydroxyethoxyphenyl butanone, which is used as an alternative preservative in cosmetic products, has been developed and validated for the first time. The method is based on a simple ultrasound-assisted lixiviation of the analyte from the cosmetic matrix followed by liquid chromatography with UV spectrophotometric detection. Under optimized conditions, the method limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 30 and 90 µg·g−1, respectively. The method was validated with good recovery values (86–103%) and precision values (RSD 0.2–4.7%). Finally, the proposed analytical method was successfully applied to 7 commercially available cosmetic samples including both lipophilic and hydrophilic matrices, such as moisturizing cream, sunscreen, shampoo, liquid hand soap, and make-up. Additionally, a laboratory-made cosmetic cream containing the target analyte was prepared and analyzed. The good analytical figures of merit of the proposed method, in addition to its environmentally-friendly characteristics, demonstrate its usefulness to perform the quality control of cosmetic products to ensure the safety of consumers.

In-Syringe Micro Solid-Phase Extraction Method for the Separation and Preconcentration of Parabens in Environmental Water Samples

In this study, a simple, rapid and effective in-syringe micro-solid phase extraction (MSPE) method was developed for the separation and preconcetration of parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl paraben) in environmental water samples. The parabens were determined and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography and a photo diode array detector (HPLC-PDA). Chitosan-coated activated carbon (CAC) was used as the sorbent in the in-syringe MSPE device. A response surface methodology based on central composite design was used for the optimization of factors (eluent solvent type, eluent volume, number of elution cycles, sample volume, sample pH) affecting the extraction efficiency of the preconcentration procedure. The adsorbent used displayed excellent absorption performance and the adsorption capacity ranged from 227–256 mg g⁻¹. Under the optimal conditions the dynamic linear ranges for the parabens were between 0.04 and 380 µg L⁻¹. The limits of detection and quantification ranged from 6–15 ng L⁻¹ and 20–50 ng L⁻¹, respectively. The intraday (repeatability) and interday (reproducibility) precisions expressed as relative standard deviations (%RSD) were below 5%. Furthermore, the in-syringe MSPE/HPLC procedure was validated using spiked wastewater and tap water samples and the recoveries ranged between from 96.7 to 107%. In conclusion, CAC based in-syringe MSPE method demonstrated great potential for preconcentration of parabens in complex environmental water.