Analysis of Trace Organic Compounds in New England Rivers

Abstract

Water from the Monatiquot and Merrimack Rivers has been examined for the presence of anomalous lipophilic organic compounds using computerized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high resolution mass spectrometry. Several plasticizers (di-n-butyl phthalate, dibutoxyethoxyethoxymethane, di-2-ethylhexyl adipate, various isomers of dioctyl phthalate, and diisodecyl phthalate) were found at levels of 1 to 30 ppb in the Monatiquot River. A factory on the river dealing with plastic products is the probable source of these compounds. Biphenyl, trichlorobenzene, and butyl benzoate were found in the water of the Merrimack River at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.5 ppb. Since all of these compounds are commonly used in the dyeing industry as additives to the dye bath, this would seem to be their source.