Determination of Very Volatile Halogenated Organic Compounds in Water by Means of Direct Head-Space Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Haloforms are formed during chlorination in drinking water treatment. Toxic industrial solvents such as trichloroethylene, tetrachloromethane and tetrachloroethylene endanger precious raw water sources destined for human consumption. A simple and reliable technique is required to measure these compounds rapidly and accurately. A direct head space technique has been developed, avoiding the need for preconcentration or pre-handling of the sample, reducing the introduction of systematic errors and meeting the requirements of a good separation of the individual compounds and a detection limit below the μg/l level. The method can be used for the analysis of rather pure water such as tap water and groundwater as well as for the monitoring of polluted surface waters. Deterioration of the delicate G.C. column is avoided as only very volatile compounds are introduced, which is a definite advantage of the head space technique over extraction.