Distribution of volatile organic compounds around a polluted river

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate the species and the concentration distribution of volatile organic compounds around a heavily polluted river. Air samples were collected seasonally at different locations near the polluted river. Samples were then analyzed by gas chromatography (electron capture detector for chlorinated organic compounds and flame ionization detector for ordinary hydrocarbons). The data was then analyzed by the statistical product and service solutions software. The results showed that total of 26 species of volatile organic compounds were identified. Each individual had its own concentration distribution pattern at different seasons and aliphatic volatile organic compounds displayed much higher concentrations than most benzenoic volatile organic compounds. In aliphatic volatile organic compounds, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, hexachlorobutadiene and 1,2-dibromoetane had much higher concentrations at the nearby environment of the river and they have been claimed to be carcinogenic to some experimental animals and possibly to human. Therefore, It is in doubt that for a long term, the volatile organic compounds evaporating out of the stream may threat the health of the residents living very close to the river. The concentrations of tetrachloroethene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, hexachlorobutadiene, dibromoetane, dichlorobenzene and sec-butylbenzene appeared at the nearby environment of the river had significant correlations (P < 0.05) with those of each other or many other volatile organic compounds.