A quantitative analytical method for the concentration, isolation, and determination of volatile hydrocarbon and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents in water is presented. An inert gas is bubbled through the sample to transfer volatile compounds from the aqueous phase to the gaseous phase. These compounds are then concentrated on a porous polymer trap under non-cryogenic conditions and determined by gas chromatography using a flame ionization or microcoulometric detector. Details of the design, fabrication, and use of the apparatus are described. The method is applicable to organic compounds that are less than 2% soluble in water and that boil below 150C. Application of the method to the determination of a variety of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons has been demonstrated on several types of water including sewage treatment plant effluents.

Prepared for National Environmental Research Center, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under program element 1BA027. "November 1974." Includes bibliographical references (pages 22-23).