Methods for the Extraction and Detection of Trace Organosilicon Materials in Environmental Samples

Silicone manufacturers worldwide have organized to study the environmental impact of organo-silicon materials, focusing primarily on polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), which constitute the largest source of organosilicon materials in wastewater treatment streams. This chapter reviews literature methods for the extraction and detection of PDMS and presents recently developed, improved analytical methods. These more effective techniques are currently being used in North America, Europe, and Japan to determine concentrations of silicones in environmental samples.