Organic compounds in water

Three basic areas were critical to understanding the distribution of organic compounds in water, according to the authors. Analytical methods had to be comprehensive enabling broad ranges of compounds to be detected, information management systems were needed to evaluate the vast quantities of data available, and there had to be statistically valid surveys to provide samples of the environment to be studied. GC/MS allowed analysis of more compounds than GC with non-selective detectors. Computer matching of spectra aided identification. Information management had been enhanced by using computer retrieval systems and database storage systems. National water surveys were carried out in previous years although the resources to carry out a comprehensive survey of all water bodies in the U.S.A. might never be available. Figures are presented showing the distribution of priority pollutants compared with the distribution of non priority pollutants. The data allowed a profile of pollutants for a particular industry to be constructed. This would allow better use of available resources for environment protection.