5.1 The first reported synthesis of BPA was by the reaction of phenol with acetone by Zincke. BPA has become an important high volume industrial chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic and resins are used in numerous products including electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, sports and safety equipment, reusable food and drink containers, electrical laminates for printed circuit boards, composites, paints, adhesives, dental sealants, protective coatings and many other products.
5.2 The environmental source of BPA is predominantly from the decomposition of polycarbonate plastics and resins. BPA is not classified as bio-accumulative by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and will biodegrade. BPA has been reported to have adverse effects in aquatic organisms and may be released into environmental waters directly at trace levels through landfill leachate and POTW effluents. This method has been investigated for use with surface water and secondary and tertiary POTW effluent samples therefore, it is applicable to these matrices only. It has not been investigated for use with salt water or solid sample matrices.