Colorimetric analysis of benzene for use in environmental screening

We have developed a simple semi-quantitative colorimetric method for analysis of benzene that would be suitable for field applications. The method relies on conversion of benzene to phenol and catechol using Fentonʹs reagent under controlled conditions. The phenolic reaction products are then determined colorimetrically using the well known phenol 4-aminoantipyrine adducts. The detection limit for benzene in water or an aqueous soil extract, using this method, is 0.1 ppm.