Method Development and Environmental Survey of Eight Cyclic and Linear Siloxanes in Water across Eastern New York State

Author

• Ivana Zivkovic, University at Albany, State University of New YorkFollow

ORCID

0009-0009-9589-8100

Date of Award

Summer 2026

Language

English

Embargo Period

7-12-2027

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College/School/Department

Department of Environmental Health Sciences

Program

Environmental Health Sciences

First Advisor

Bryan Duffy

Committee Members

Xiaobo Romeiko, Ramune Reliene

Keywords

siloxanes, emerging contaminants, analytical chemistry, GC-MS, environmental health, water

Subject Categories

Analytical Chemistry | Chemicals and Drugs | Environmental Health and Protection | Environmental Monitoring | Environmental Public Health | Medicine and Health Sciences | Organic Chemicals | Public Health | Water Resource Management

Abstract

Short-chain volatile dimethyl siloxanes (VMS) are widely used in personal care and industrial products. They have replaced chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents and enhanced product performance while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, their volatility, hydrophobicity, and widespread use raise concerns about their fate and transport in the environment, as well as potential human health impacts. The objective of this study was to develop a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical method and to assess the extent of cyclic (D3–D6) and linear (L2–L5) siloxane contamination in surface (n=38), tap (n=28), and bottled (n=13) water across Eastern New York State. Drinking and surface water samples were collected across the Hudson River Valley. A GC-MS solid phase extraction (SPE) method was optimized to improve detection limits, reduce common siloxane background interference, and quantify eight target siloxanes in the environment. D3 was the most frequently detected compound, occurring in 13 of 38 surface water samples and 23 of 28 tap water samples. Tap water had the highest siloxane occurrence, suggesting that it may be an under-characterized matrix for evaluating regional siloxane occurrence and potential exposure.

License

This work is licensed under the University at Albany Standard Author Agreement.

Recommended Citation

Zivkovic, Ivana, "Method Development and Environmental Survey of Eight Cyclic and Linear Siloxanes in Water across Eastern New York State" (2026). Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present). 501.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/etd/501