MATRIX EFFECTS OF LEACHATES IN THE DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE PRIORITY POLLUTANTS BY HEADSPACE ANALYSIS

In order to investigate the matrix effects of a hazardous waste landfill leachate in the analysis of priority pollutants by headspace gas chromatography, spiking experiments were performed (a) with the untreated leachate, (b) with the leachate after separation of oil and (c) with blanc water samples as a reference. A standard mixture containing volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons, benzene and alkylated benzenes (100-200-mu-g) were spiked into 50 ml-samples of (a)-(c). The samples were thermostated at 40-degrees-C for 20 min and analyzed by headspace GC. Serious matrix effects were observed for all reference compounds, resulting in significant enhancement or depression of the corresponding peak areas compared with the spiked water control samples. The data sets are discussed with respect to the contents of leachate oil and chloride. From the findings of this study, recommendations for the application of headspace analysis to leachates are given.