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Determination of the Diffusion Coefficient of Butylparaben and Bisphenol-A via UV-Vis Spectrometer
1 , 1 , 2 , 1, 3 , * 1, 3
1  Chemical Engineering Department, Adamson University, Manila, National Capital Region, 1000, Philippines
2  Department of Chemical Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University, Manila, 1004, Philippines
3  Adamson University Laboratory of Biomass, Energy and Nanotechnology (ALBEN), Adamson University, Manila, National Capital Region, 1000, Philippines
Academic Editor: Alberto Jiménez Suárez

Abstract:

Bisphenol A (BPA) and Butylparaben (BP) are recognized as emerging contaminants due to their extensive use in plastics and personal care products, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Understanding their transport behavior is vital for predicting environmental fate and designing mitigation measures. This study quantifies the diffusion coefficients of BPA and BP under infinite dilution conditions to simulate realistic environmental scenarios. Laboratory experiments employed a UV-Visible spectrophotometer to monitor concentration changes over time at four initial BP concentrations (0.0005–0.0025 M) and at temperatures between 294.85 K and 304.15 K. Experimental data show that BP concentrations at lower initial values (0.0005 M and 0.00075 M) remained constant, indicating minimal diffusion. Theoretical estimations using the Stokes–Einstein equation yielded diffusion coefficients at 299.38 K of 1.51 × 10⁻¹³ m²/s for BP and 8.47 × 10⁻¹⁴ m²/s for BPA. The Wilke–Chang equation estimated higher values: 1.21 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²/s for BP and 1.18 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²/s for BPA at the same temperature. Results confirm that temperature increases enhance diffusion, while molecular size differences cause BP to diffuse faster than BPA. The robust experimental dataset produced here supports the refinement of predictive models for contaminant mobility. These insights are critical for risk assessment and for developing targeted strategies to minimize the persistence and spread of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in aquatic and terrestrial systems.

Keywords: Diffusion coefficient; Bisphenol A; Butylparaben; UV-Vis spectrophotometry; Emerging contaminants
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