Sulfolane Analysis in Environmental Samples: A Critical Review

Sulfolane, a highly water-soluble industrial solvent, has raised environmental concerns due to its widespread usage and its prolonged persistence once released into the environment. To assess the extent of contamination effectively, reliable analytical methods are essential. In this review article, the existing methodologies for the sample preparation and determination of sulfolane are systematically examined and evaluated. In brief, existing guidelines for sampling from environmental matrices provide a solid foundation for sulfolane analysis. Notably, there is little variation in the choice of final determination methods, with GC-MS or GC-FID being favored across all studies. However, substantial variability emerges in sample preparation methods. Moreover, upon scrutiny of the analytical procedures utilized in sulfolane analysis, it becomes evident that a considerable number of them are characterized by inefficiency or environmental hazards, often relying on substantial quantities of chlorinated solvents. Through this review, valuable insights into the challenges at hand and potential solutions can be gained, offering a foundation for the development of novel sulfolane analysis methods applicable to a range of environmental matrices. Overall, this field calls for further research to devise efficient and environmentally sustainable analytical methods for sulfolane analysis.