Bleached kraft pulp mill sourced organic chemicals in sediments from New Zealand rivers. Part 1: Waikato River

Abstract

The concentrations of resin acids and chlorophenolic compounds were measured in river sediments above and below the effluent discharge point of a New Zealand bleached kraft pulp and paper mill. No significant concentrations of resin acids were found at background sites. Background concentrations of total chlorophenolic compounds ranged from <0.1 ng g −1 to 35 ng g −1. Elevated concentrations of both compound classes were observed downstream of the mill. Total concentrations immediately below the discharge point were 76.6 ug g −1 and 30.7 ng g −1 dry weight respectively for the resin acids and chlorophenolic compounds. Chlorophenolic compound concentrations declined to background levels 20 km downstream whereas resin acids reached background concentrations after 38 km. Shallow surficial sediments were shown to contain the majority of the organic compounds.