Assessment of the biodegradation intensity of organic compounds in water using the squalene biomarker

An approach based on the quantitative determination of squalene biomarker by the chromato-mass-spectrometry method has been proposed for assessment of the intensity of biotransformation of organic compounds in water. The method sensitivity amounted to 5 × 10–5 mg/dm3. It is recommended to use squalene for the detection of stagnant zones in the city water distribution system and the biological activity in filtering layers of wells of infiltration water intakes and in filters for industrial and domestic water treatment. An enhanced intensity of biotransformation processes is related to the rise of squalene concentration in the tested water.