Development and application of diffusive gradients in thin-films for in situ sampling of the bitterest chemical – denatonium benzoate in waters

Denatonium benzoate (DB), a commonly used bitter agent in numerous products, has recently been recognized as a waterborne contaminant due to concern about its potential persistence, mobility and toxicity (PMT). However, its occurrence, levels and fate in global aquatic environments are largely unknown. In this study, a new sampling method, based on diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) with mixed-mode cation exchange (MCX) as the binding agent, was developed for measuring DB in waters. MCX shows a rapid adsorption and high capacity for DB. DB is linearly accumulated by MCX-DGT. pH (6–8), ionic strength (0.01–0.5 M), or DOM (0–10 M) do not show any significant effect on the MCX-DGT performance, confirming its reliability. The DGT measurements in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) are comparable to those by paralleled grab sampling. The field results suggest DB is persistent in WWTPs and could be a potential domestic wastewater indicator. Therefore, MCX-DGT is a promising technique for understanding the environmental occurrence, levels and fate of DB. This is a first report of using DGT for DB monitoring and of DB occurrence in Chinese environments. Further exploration of DGT as a reliable passive monitoring tool for a wide range of PMT substances in different applications is warranted. [Display omitted] •A DGT sampler with MCX as the binding agent is developed for measuring DB.•The tested pH, IS, and DOM have limited impacts on DGT measurements of DB.•DGT measurements in WWTPs are comparable to those by grab sampling.•Elevated levels of DB in Chinese environments are reported for the first time.