Application of capillary gas chromatography in the analysis of hydrocarbons in the environment

Summary Hydrocarbons are emitted into the environment in quantity and diversity. Some of these can be detrimental in low concentration, many can be active in photochemical smog production. For combatment there is also interest in the sources of hydrocarbons in the atmosphere. For source recognition fine-structured chromatographic fingerprints are essential. This also holds for oil pollution. A complicating factor in the determination of hydrocarbon pollutants may arise from the occurrence of recently biosynthesized hydrocarbons. For distinguishing between these two types the application of capillary gas chromatography is preferred to packed column gc. It will be clear that the application of capillary gc in the analysis of hydrocarbons in the environment is of great practical value. The modified Grob method used by us for the analysis of hydrocarbons in air is discussed. For the characterization and source recognition of oil pollution in water and soil application of capillary gc fingerprinting is essential; in this way valuable information can be gathered about weathering of oil pollution. Sources of oil pollution in water areas and harbour regions can be traced in certain cases. Also the possibility of measurement of residence time is present. Typical examples are given.Publication No. 601 of the TNO Research Institute for Environmental Hygiene.