Residual organic compounds present in municipal sewage treatment plant effluents at microgram-per-liter levels were analyzed using high-resolution anion-exchange chromatography. Effluents were concentrated 50- to 3000-fold by vacuum evaporation and freeze-drying and then analyzed by liquid chromatographs capable of detecting uv-absorbing, oxidizable (with sulfatoceric acid), or carbohydrate constituents. Using techniques such as uv spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry, 56 organic compounds were identified in primary effluent and 13 organic compounds in secondary effluent. Some of these constituents were quantified. Chromatographic procedures, coupled with radioactive tracer chlorination, were applied to the analysis of chlorinated primary and secondary effluents. A detector system for liquid chromatography based on cerate oxidimetry was adapted as a rapid, sensitive continuous monitor for measuring the COD of waters. The effects of column geometry and operating parameters on chromatographic resolution were studied. Two high-resolution, ion exchange chromatographs (UV-Analyzers) were constructed.

"August 1974." "Project officer, A. Wayne Garrison, Southeast Environmental Research Laboratory." U.S. G.P.O. sales statement incorrect in publication. Includes bibliographical references (pages 94-98). Prepared for Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Contract Number: 14-12-833