Abstract

The study evaluated methods of extraction and analysis of tribromophenol. In addition several physico-chemical properties were determined. Regarding the recovery levels obtained in sawdust, recoveries were higher using of Soxhlet technique, followed by ultrasonic treatment and centrifugation. The commercial product was characterized by means of Protonic nuclear magnetic resonance 1HRMN, 13CRMN, ultraviolet spectra, gas chromatographic with electron capture detector (GC-ECD), gas chromatographic with mass selective capture detector(GC-MS) and HPLC. Both melting point and octanol water partition coefficient were determined. The stability of the commercial compound was evaluated in the environment. A mixture of the sodium tribromophenato with sawdust were exposed to controlled environmental conditions during 150 days, being verified reduction rate of 52% in 10 days and of 79,9% in 150 days. In the field studies performed in sawmills located near the city of Concepción (central Chile) tribromophenol was detected in the soil component and in sawdust, at concentrations ranging 0,006 to 1,651 mg kg-1.