Determination of phenols using simultaneous steam distillation–extraction

Simultaneous distillation–extraction was proposed as a preconcentration step for the determination of phenol and its derivatives in aqueous and soil samples. Detection limits of 0.01 mg l−1 (water) and 0.1 mg kg−1 (soil) were achieved by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. The described preconcentration procedure was applied for the primary study of the adsorption equilibrium in a water–soil system serving as a model of phenol behaviors in the environment.