Rapid and Reliable Detection of Bisphenol S in Thermal Paper: A Comparison of Electrochemical and Chromatographic Techniques

Abstract

Bisphenol S (BPS) is one of the most common persistent and mobile chemicals found in everyday products such as thermal paper. BPS can easily enter the body by migrating from the paper to the fingers, from where it disrupts the endocrine system by mimicking the oestrogen hormone, so negatively influencing human health. Determining the levels of BPS in people’s lives is of great importance. Here, a strategy for the rapid and reliable measurement of BPS in thermal paper and tap water is proposed based on comparing two analytical methods: electrochemical sensors and liquid chromatography. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) triple quadrupole is a promising method for the determination of BPS in pM concentrations. On the other hand, electrochemical sensors enable an in-situ, real-time measurement. We present a simple, low-cost, electrochemical sensor for detecting BPS using screen-printed electrodes based on carbon (SPE-C) and single-wall carbon-nanotube (SPE-SWCNT) working electrodes. BPS was detected over a wide linear range from 1 to 400 µM. The limits of detection were found to be 0.73 µM and 0.87 µM for the SPE-C and SPE-SWCNT electrodes, respectively. Good repeatability was observed for both sensors when using one electrode 16 times, which demonstrates its potential for real-time environmental monitoring.

Keywords: BPS, Cycle Voltammetry, Persistent and Mobile Chemicals, Screen-Printed Electrode.