Abstract
A capillary gas chromatographic analytical method has been used for the determination of free fatty acids (FFA) in surface waters. Of the several solvents tried for extraction, chloroform gave the best result. FFA were separated from neutral organic compounds by alkali extraction. Results are presented of monitoring programmes in some rivers of North West England (Irwell, Etherow and Mersey) and the sewage treatment plant effluents. FFA ranging from carbon chain length of C 12-C 18 including unsaturated acid were found with the great predominance of normal even-carbon numbers. Concentrations of FFA in the water samples (average, 15.7 ± 26.2 μg l −1) ranged from 0.7 to 125 μg l −1. There are no marked differences in FFA constituents between polluted and unpolluted waters. A study on uncontaminated waters was done to establish blank levels.
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