A Rapid Spectrophotometric Screening Method for 2,4-dinitroanisole in Laboratory Water

Abstract : High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) are most commonly used for the measurement of the insensitive munition constituent 2,4 dinitroanisole (DNAN). These methods require investments in equipment, supplies, labor, and training. A screening method was investigated and validated as a low-cost alternative for ecotoxicology testing to quickly quantify DNAN in solution using commonly available instrumentation. This new method uses a spectrophotometer, measuring absorbance in the ultraviolet range. Simple standard curves are employed to determine concentrations of DNAN. Consistently accurate concentrations were validated by HPLC and GC methods. Additionally, the presence of DNAN breakdown products can be observed.