Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous pollutants in surface water, which is the main source of drinking water in South Korea. We investigated the behavior (concentration, distribution, and environmental risk) of eleven selected VOCs in the surface water of the Han River tributaries using purge-and-trap gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The average concentration of VOCs was 0.29 ± 0.47 μg/L. Chloroform and trichloroethylene (TCE) were the major pollutants, accounting for approximately 64.2% and 25.6% of the total concentration, respectively, and showing that halocarbons accounted for 94%. Chloroform was positively correlated with TCE and xylenes, and TCE was positively correlated with tetrachloroethylene (PCE). No differences were observed in the temporal average concentrations of total VOCs, but the concentrations differed significantly among sub-watershed areas. The Imjin-Hantan River, Han River mainstream, and Anseong Stream watersheds had a high positive association with TCE, whereas the Bukhan and Namhan River watersheds had a strong positive link with chloroform. The contamination and detection frequency of VOCs were highest in industrial complexes, followed by urban and rural areas. Thus, point source pollution significantly contributed to VOC contamination of these tributaries. Risk quotients for most VOCs were <1, suggesting negligible risk. Considering the relatively high occurrence of VOCs and their potential ecological risks, continuous environmental monitoring and study of environmental impacts based on ecotoxicity studies of domestic aquatic species are warranted.
Highlights
Pollution of aquatic ecosystems by anthropogenic chemicals is a major environmental problem worldwide [1,2]
A total of 11 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected at 36 sites along tributaries of the Han River basin, the largest drinking water source in South Korea
Chloroform was the most abundant compound, followed by TCE, showing that halocarbons accounted for 94% of total VOCs
Summary
Pollution of aquatic ecosystems by anthropogenic chemicals is a major environmental problem worldwide [1,2]. Among these chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major group of pollutants that are continuously introduced into aquatic ecosystems via natural and anthropogenic sources [3,4,5]. VOCs include various chemicals, some of which are hazardous to human health (e.g., carcinogens) [6] or the environment (e.g., photochemical smog) [7]. Some VOCs can be introduced into surface water systems through various sources, such as vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapor, paint, asphalt, industrial and residential coal burning, biomass burning, and petrochemical industries, thereby leading to ecosystem risks, even at low concentrations [8]. Because VOCs evaporate environmental investigations on VOCs have often focused on ambient air pollution [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
