Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) concentration for quantification of malodorous substances in piggery wastewater.

Quantification of malodorous substances at trace concentration levels in piggery wastewater remains a great challenge for environmental studies. The objective of this study was to determine the 4-methylphenol, 4-ethylphenol, indole and skatole (3-methylindole) of piggery wastewaters in anaerobic facilities by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) pre-concentration. The validation results of both pre-concentrations revealed high selectivity and sensitivity. The detection of malodorous substances can provide clues to track the source of these contaminants. The results of real sample detection showed that all of these malodor substances appeared in both influent and effluent wastewaters.