Method Developments To Analyze Caffeine And Acesulfame-K Concentrations In Natural Waters In And Around Charleston, IL, USA

Abstract

Analytical methods using batch solid phase extraction were developed for two
chemical markers, caffeine and acesulfame-K, to assess anthropogenic water
contamination of natural water bodies in and around Charleston, Illinois.
Measurements were conducted on 12 different extracted samples using reverse
phase HPLC. Two creek samples showed the presence of acesulfame-K (0.45 ± 0.10 and
0.25 ± 0.06 ppb) and two creek samples showed the presence of caffeine (3 .1 ± 1.2 and
1.6 ± 0.6 ppb ). Effluent from the Charleston waste water treatment plant showed an
acesulfame-K concentration of 0.67 ± 0.15 ppb.
These results indicate measurement of both markers is helpful in identifying
contamination sources in natural water bodies.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Douglas G. Klarup (Supervisor)