Solid samples were placed in small glass columns and extraction performed assisted by sonication in two consecutive
steps of 15 min using acetonitrile as extraction solvent. Sample extracts were evaporated under nitrogen
stream to 1ml and analysed by LC–MS/MS. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained ranging from 83% to
110% depending on the analyte. Good limits of quantification (LOQs), between 0.11 and 0.49 ng g−1 were
obtained for LC–MS/MS, making this technique suitable for the determination of parabens in environmental
solid samples, particularly at trace level. The developedmethodwas applied to the determination
of target analytes in different types of soil and sediments, finding levels between LOD and 6.35 ng g−1.