Guidelines for the Quantitative and Qualitative Screening of Organic Pollutants in Water Supplies

Abstract

This article describes two analytical approaches to determine organic constituents in water—quantitative and general “screening” analysis. Major emphasis is placed on the isolation methodology as a key to both types of analysis. Highlights of recent laboratory work that demonstrate the different approaches are presented.

Organic compounds in the Delaware River

“…If the discharge site at river mile 104 is correct, then these compounds would enter the river only six miles downstream from the inlet for Philadelphia's drinking water. Tidal action is sufficient to carry these chemicals upstream to the inlet and, in fact, the volatile ethers, bis(2-chloroethyl) ether, and l,2-bis(2-chloroethoxy)ethane, have been found in the drinking water supply (24). Health effects, notably the carcinogenic activity, of these compounds are not known.…”

Comparison of Methods for Determination of Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water

“…Each of these LLE methods could be improved to an equal degree by optimizing the extractant-sample ratio to produce the best balance between recovery efficien cy and minimum detectable concentra tions. Theoretically, the optimum ratio could be most effectively determined by using the p-value approach to LLE described by Suffet et al 8 There did not appear to be any advan tage in selecting one of the three solvents-methylcyclohexane, pentane, or isooctane-over the others. All have a low solubility in water, good affinity for halomethanes, and low electron-capture response, and all are generally available in a highly pure form.…”

Mutagenic Activity of Disinfection By-Products

“…For this reason, sample collection in this study was effected over a 2to 4-day period, in which organics were extracted from 150-200 L of water (9). For this reason, sample collection in this study was effected over a 2to 4-day period, in which organics were extracted from 150-200 L of water (9).…”