VOCs and water pollution

The occurrence of organic compounds in water is a matter of increasing concern to the industry, ecologists and general public from the point of view of possible health hazards presented to both human and animal life. It has been well established that an amazing number of organic substances (pesticides, detergents, solvents) are released into the sea, rivers and lakes. Industrial (e.g. paint industry, metal industry) and domestic effluents as well as agricultural run-off are the main sources for these compounds. The availability of sophisticated analytical methods sensitive enough to determine extremely low concentrations of pollutants enables us to realize the extent and the nature of environmental contamination in natural water.