Abstract |
Samples of surface waters were collected from 204 sites near heavily industrialized areas across the United States. The samples were analyzed for all contaminants present at concentrations greater than one part per billion. Each water sample was preconcentrated for analysis of organics in three fractions: volatile organics by nitrogen-gas stripping and the less-volatile organics by extraction with chloroform under both basic and acidic conditions. Organic constituents were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and quantified by gas-chromatographic techniques. Inorganic constituents were determined by spark-source mass spectrometry, energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis, and instrumental neutron activation analysis. For comparison with previous data from the same sites, the samples were also analyzed for total chemical oxygen demand, turbidity, conductivity, pH, color, oxidation-reduction potential, suspended solids, and volatile suspended solids. Results of the inorganic analyses were presented in previous quarterly progress reports. Final results of the organic analyses are presented in this appendix to the final report. |