Advanced analytical determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and other major contaminants in water samples using GC-Ion Trap MS

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Koroma, B. M. | Wang, Kai-xiong | Jinya, D. D.

Affiliations: Laboratory of Socioeconomic Science of Food Production, Nagoya University, Japan | Department of Environmental Engineering,Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China. E-mail: wang.Kaixiong@sohu.com | Kitakyushu Institute of Environmental Sciences, Kitakyushu City, Japan

Abstract: The GC-Ion Trap MS is recently one of the most efficient instrumental analysis recommended for understanding the chemistry of these organic compounds, not only in water but even in the food chain and other environmental media (air and soil). Results of the experiment conducted on water samples from Kuguri and Yatsutani sampling stations showed considerably higher levels of organic enrichment (COD=10 mg/L and 11 mg/L respectively). Total concentrations of Pb (0.072 mg/L and 0.093 mg/L) and Cd (0.004 mg/Land 0.011 mg/L) on the other hand, invariably exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for human health and the living environment (Pb=0.005 mg/L; Cd=0.001 mg/L respectively). And the toxicity levels for these contaminants at LC_50 showed critical impact on rainbow trout (hypersensitive species) at 0.14 mg/L for Pb and 0.007 mg/L for Cd in 96 hours respectively. Although these major contaminants including phenol and 3-, 4-cresol, showed relatively higher toxicity impact in the experimental media, it would remain contentious to justify any associated potential dangers without regular routine water monitoring, at least for a period of one year. Nevertheless, the data could serve as a benchmark through which other phenomena can easily be investigated.

Keywords: volatile organic compounds (VOC), major contaminants, water quality, simultaneous analysis, GC/Ion Trap MS

Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 25-36, 2001