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Evaluation of Storage Tank LLDPE Polymers for Extractable Components
Author(s) -
Ali Mohamed Ahmed,
Cotruvo Joseph A.,
AlThani Mohamed H.,
AlZeyara Shaikha A.,
AlBaker Wassan A.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.5942/jawwa.2016.108.0056
Subject(s) - linear low density polyethylene , phthalate , extraction (chemistry) , polyethylene , chemistry , chromatography , environmental chemistry , waste management , organic chemistry , engineering
Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) water tank products from Qatar were subjected to standard extraction testing at room temperature and at 60°C for one to 11 days. Extracts were analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and total organic carbon (TOC). Several organic compounds were detected in some extracts at low microgram‐per‐liter levels. Benzyl alcohol was detected in at least one extract of each product, and di‐ n ‐butyl phthalate or bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate was detected with lower frequency, demonstrating that only minimal amounts of extracted chemicals were present. Hazard assessments indicated that all values except for one possibly anomalous result in one sample and a phthalate ester in two samples of one product were well within product acceptance values. There were several unidentified extractants. Results suggest a very low level of health concern is associated with LLDPE molded products manufactured to standard specifications, and this should be indicative of all appropriately certified LLDPE molded water tank materials.