Biomaterial Database

Organic contaminants in the aquatic environment. IV. Analytical techniques. 1983

A E McIntyre, and J N Lester

The analytical techniques available for the determination of organic pollutants in raw, potable and waste waters are reviewed. General measures of organic pollution are considered, together with a range of chromatographic and instrumental methods for the analysis of specific groups of pollutants. Gas liquid chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography are the most widely used techniques for the measurement of specific compounds while mass spectrometry and combined gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry are the most definitive methods of analysis. Consideration of the range of sample extraction procedures which are available indicates that solvent extraction procedures are the most suitable for non-volatile organic substances, and gas purging or stripping techniques are favoured for the isolation of volatile compounds. Sample purification or clean-up procedures, including column and thin layer chromatography, are of particular importance when waste water samples are to be analysed, owing to the relatively high concentrations of extraneous materials which have to be removed prior to analysis. The merits and limitations of currently available analytical procedures are discussed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007306	Insecticides	Pesticides designed to control insects that are harmful to man. The insects may be directly harmful, as those acting as disease vectors, or indirectly harmful, as destroyers of crops, food products, or textile fabrics.	Insecticide
D008456	2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic Acid	A powerful herbicide used as a selective weed killer.	MCPA,Agroxone,Methoxone,2 Methyl 4 chlorophenoxyacetic Acid
D009943	Organophosphorus Compounds	Organic compounds that contain phosphorus as an integral part of the molecule. Included under this heading is broad array of synthetic compounds that are used as PESTICIDES and DRUGS.	Organophosphorus Compound,Organopyrophosphorus Compound,Organopyrophosphorus Compounds,Compound, Organophosphorus,Compound, Organopyrophosphorus,Compounds, Organophosphorus,Compounds, Organopyrophosphorus
D010636	Phenols	Benzene derivatives that include one or more hydroxyl groups attached to the ring structure.
D010795	Phthalic Acids	A group of compounds that has the general structure of a dicarboxylic acid-substituted benzene ring. The ortho-isomer is used in dye manufacture. (Dorland, 28th ed)	Acids, Phthalic
D011078	Polychlorinated Biphenyls	Industrial products consisting of a mixture of chlorinated biphenyl congeners and isomers. These compounds are highly lipophilic and tend to accumulate in fat stores of animals. Many of these compounds are considered toxic and potential environmental pollutants.	PCBs,Polychlorinated Biphenyl,Polychlorobiphenyl Compounds,Biphenyl, Polychlorinated,Biphenyls, Polychlorinated,Compounds, Polychlorobiphenyl
D011083	Polycyclic Compounds	Compounds which contain two or more rings in their structure.	Compounds, Polycyclic
D012722	Sewage	Refuse liquid or waste matter carried off by sewers.	Sludge,Sludge Flocs
D014867	Water	A clear, odorless, tasteless liquid that is essential for most animal and plant life and is an excellent solvent for many substances. The chemical formula is hydrogen oxide (H2O). (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)	Hydrogen Oxide
D014873	Water Pollutants	Substances or organisms which pollute the water or bodies of water. Use for water pollutants in general or those for which there is no specific heading.	Water Pollutant,Pollutant, Water,Pollutants, Water