Identification of extractable organic chemicals in sewage effluent by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Organic compounds were extracted by a modified continuous liquid‐liquid extractor. The extract was analysed by computerized high‐resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results of the analysis indicated the presence of many halogenated compounds, such as halogenated methoxybenzenes, dichlorobenzene, benzene hexachloride, methylated triclosan and oxadiazon. Alkylphenol ethoxylates, which are known as degradation products of poly(oxyethylene)alkylphenyl ether, were also found in the extract.