SEDL / STP / STP573-EB / STP39015S

Gas Chromatographic Determination of Low Concentrations of Hydrocarbons in Water by Vapor Phase Extraction

Mackay, D
Associate professor and postdoctoral fellow, Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

Shiu, WY
Associate professor and postdoctoral fellow, Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

Wolkoff, AW
Research scientist, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, Ontario

Pages: 8    Published: Jan 1975

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Abstract

A novel system for the measurement of low concentrations of hydrocarbons in water is described. The apparatus introduces a vapor sample of the hydrocarbon to a gas chromatograph following transfer of part of the hydrocarbon from the aqueous solution to a vapor phase. The thermodynamic basis for predicting the vapor-liquid equilibration is given. The method is capable of analyzing hydrocarbon concentrations in parts per billion range; however, the sensitivity depends on the hydrocarbon solubility and vapor pressure.