SEMIVOLATILE ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS - POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZO-P-DIOXINS (PCDD), DIBENZOFURANS (PCDF), BIPHENYLS (PCB), HEXACHLOROBENZENE (HCB), 4,4'-DDE AND CHLORINATED PARAFFINS (CP) - AS MARKERS IN SEWER FILMS

A municipal sewer system has been investigated for the sources of a set of semivolatile compounds, such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethene (4,4'-DDE), and chlorinated paraffins (CP), using sewer films as the sampling medium. A cleanup method for these semivolatile compounds in sewer films is described. The project has been undertaken for the differentiation and localization of specific inputs of xenobiotics from defined regions of the city. A unique pattern of PCDD/PCDF found in sewage sludge has led to the search for a specific source within the sewer system, which has finally been localized as a distinct plant. Other organochlorine compounds proved to be significant indicators for industrial and domestic sewers. PCB appeared as an industry correlated parameter, while 4,4'-DDE indicated domestic sewers. Chlorinated paraffins have been detected in the mg/kg range and are markers and indicators for metal-working industries. Finally, the release of CP by the sewage treatment plant, into the nearby river, has been investigated.