Application of headspace GC/MS screening and general parameters for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in groundwater samples

Abstract

Groundwater samples from a former gas plant site were investigated by headspace GC/MS and general parameters with regard to organic pollution. The contamination plume was distinguished from background with GC/MS headspace and dissolved organic carbon analyses. Headspace GC/MS analyses of these samples revealed the presence of several aromatic and heterocyclic compounds typical to coal tar leachates. Selected ion monitoring GC/MS was used to establish the relative contamination level of seven selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from 9 sampling wells. Three wells showed a high contamination level and therefore, they could be attributed to the vicinity of contamination sources. Well samples downgradient from the pollution source showed decreasing contamination levels for all compounds except acenaphthene.