SOURCES AND MOVEMENT OF ORGANIC-CHEMICALS IN THE DELAWARE RIVER

The transport of industrial organic chemicals from their source, into the Delaware River, through various treatment facilities, and into Philadelphia's finished drinking water was studied using water samples collected in August 1977. Solvent extraction, liquid chromatographic cleanup, and gas chromatographic mass spectrometry were used for compound separation and identification. Results confirmed discharge sources for many previously identified compounds. Furthermore, it was shown that many of these compounds circulated into Philadelphia's drinking water, and that the various water and waste treatment facilities had a minimal effect on the organic levels. For all chemicals, dilution processes were responsible for the largest reduction in organic concentrations. Results were substantiated by a 10-week sampling program designed to monitor seven selected waste chemicals. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.