Surface waters chemical monitoring

In contrast to the physico/chemical measurement systems, BEWS are sensitive to many toxic compounds, even to those that are not included in the routine monitoring programmes. They operate continuously (24/24h, 7/7d) and provide early results. In the case of an accidental spill they should generate an alarm within minutes to one hour (van der Schalie el al., 1999). BEWS have recently been included in the WFD Common Implementation Strategy Guideline 19 on surface water chemical monitoring as complementary method (European Communities, 2009). 

European Communities, 2009. Common implementation strategy for the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). Guidance Document No. 19. Guidance on surface water chemical monitoring under the Water Framework Directive. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Technical Report 2009-25, Luxembourg, 222 pp. 

European Commission, 2008b. Draft version of the guidance on surface water chemical monitoring under the WFD, Chemical Monitoring Surface Water Group. 

The method using GC/MS with selected ion monitoring (SIM) in the electron ionization (El) mode can determine concentrations of alachlor, acetochlor, and metolachlor and other major corn herbicides in raw and finished surface water and groundwater samples. This GC/MS method eliminates interferences and provides similar sensitivity and superior specificity compared with conventional methods such as GC/ECD or GC/NPD, eliminating the need for a confirmatory method by collection of data on numerous ions simultaneously. If there are interferences with the quantitation ion, a confirmation ion is substituted for quantitation purposes. Deuterated analogs of each analyte may be used as internal standards, which compensate for matrix effects and allow for the correction of losses that occur during the analytical procedure. A known amount of the deuterium-labeled compound, which is an ideal internal standard because its chemical and physical properties are essentially identical with those of the unlabeled compound, is carried through the analytical procedure. SPE is required to concentrate the water samples before analysis to determine concentrations reliably at or below 0.05 qg (ppb) and to recover/extract the various analytes from the water samples into a suitable solvent for GC analysis. 

Introduction of chemical sensors for water quality monitoring. This includes parameters like turbidity, color, surface tension, detergent concentrations, pH-value etc. Optoelectronic systems are used to monitor the turbidity of washing water, which then determines the number of rinsing cycles (aqua-sensor system). 

Exposure Levels in Environmental Media. Reliable monitoring data for the levels of di- -octylphthalate in contaminated media at hazardous waste sites are needed so that the information obtained on levels of di-ra-octylphthalate in the environment can be used in combination with the known body burden of di-w-octylphthalate to assess the potential risk of adverse health effects in populations living in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites. Di-u-octylphthalate has been detected in ambient air, rain, surface water, groundwater, and sediment. However, as a result of the confusion about the nomenclature for octylphthalate esters, much of the historical monitoring data available actually pertain to the branched isomer, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (Vista Chemical 1992). Therefore, little current information specific to the /1-octyl isomer is available regarding concentrations of the compound in foods, drinking water, and environmental media, particularly with respect to media at hazardous waste sites. The lack of monitoring data precludes the estimation of human exposure via intake of or contact with contaminated media. 

In this study a series of surface water and deep soil samples were analyzed to detect ai migration or runoff of waste pesticides from typical Chemical Control Centers. Entomological evaluation of soil biota and monitoring of dermal exposure to pesticides of mlxer-appllcators took place throughout the 1980 season. No adverse effects as a result of the Chemical Control Centers were detected. 

Literature data regarding the fate and transport of hexachlorobutadiene are limited. Much of the available information consists of modeling based on the physical and chemical properties of hexachlorobutadiene, and the monitoring data. These data indicate that hexachlorobutadiene will bind to soil particles and sediments, and is found in air and water bound to particulates. Some volatilization of hexachlorobutadiene from surface waters and soils may also occur. The bioconcentration of hexachlorobutadiene has been reported in fish and shellfish with considerable variability between species (EPA 1976 Oliver and Niimi 1983 Pearson and McConnell 1975). 

The hazardous components of MSW, ie, household chemicals, oily wastes, and lead and other metals in batteries, can leach from landfills and contaminate both surface water and groundwater or enter the atmosphere. Increased regulation to improve landfill integrity has led to impermeable liners and drainage and water quality monitoring systems. As a result, in many urban areas, land is either no longer readily available for new landfills or is available only at high cost. 

Barcelo, D., S. Chiron, A. Fernandez-Alba., A. Valverde, and M.F. Alpendurada (1996). Monitoring pesticides and metabolites in surface water and groundwater in Spain. In M.T. Meyer and E.M. Thurman, eds., Herbicides Metabolites in Surface Water and Ground Water. ACS Symposium Series 630. Washington, DC American Chemical Society, pp. 237-253. 

Beginning in 1993, the USEPA initiated compliance monitoring of finished water for atrazine, simazine, and several other chemicals. Surface water supplies were monitored quarterly, and groundwater supplies were monitored once or twice annually. The purpose was to assess annual running mean concentrations of atrazine and simazine for each CWS for compliance with their respective MCLs (Table 29.1). 

The analysis target was the detection of ammonia in aqueous solutions, e.g. in surface water [114-116], The Berthelot reaction scheme was employed to monitor ammonia, by chemical conversion to indophenol blue, using a chlorination step first followed by coupling of two phenol moieties. The absorption of the dye was measured by a photometric-type experiment. Full conversion by efficient mixing is mandatory for a good analysis. 

WFD chemical monitoring guidance for surface water. Available at http //circa.europa.eu/Public/irc/env/ wfd/library l=/framework directive/chemical monitoring/technical 2007pdf/ EN 1.0 a=d. 

Lepom P., B. Brown, G. Hanke, et al. 2009. Needs for reliable analytical methods for monitoring chemical pollutants in surface water under the European Water Framework Directive. J. Chromatogr. A. 1216 302-315. 

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