Quantitative Analysis of Alkylphenols In Environmental Samples With Metagenomic Impact Assessments

A simple and accurate quantitative method was used for four endocrine disruptors: 4-tert butyl phenol (4-TBP), 4-tert amyl phenol (4-TAP), 4-cumyl phenol (4-CP), and 3-tert butyl phenol (3-TBP) using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet (UV) detection in river water, domestic water, domestic wastewater, sludge, and soil samples. Carbowax templated resin (50 µm) fiber was employed to extract the analytes from aqueous samples. The limits of detection (LOD) for 4-TBP, 4-TAP, 4-CP, and 3-TBP were 1.33, 0.78, 0.89, and 0.17 ng/mL, respectively. To assess the alkylphenol content introduced into water from domestic use (household activities of Patiala city), concentrations were measured in both household water and wastewater generated from domestic activities in Patiala, India. To assess the alkylphenol content introduced into water from domestic activities in Patiala, Punjab, India, concentrations were measured in both the tube-well water supplied to households and the domestic wastewater generated from these activities. Additionally, metagenomic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted on soil samples and domestic wastewater sludge to evaluate the impact of alkylphenols on the microbial community. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed a rich microbial community, with 20 phyla detected. Despite this diversity, only seven phyla accounted for more than 90% of the total bacterial population in each sample, with Proteobacteria being the most prevalent phylum across both sample types.