Volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds measured in Bayou Lafourche, southeastern Louisiana

Abstract Bayou Lafourche is a major tributary of the Mississippi River, being used as part of the water diversion system and as a source of potable water for residents living along the bayou. The suspected presence of pollutants in the river led to the measurement of volatile and semi-volatile organic pollutants in water samples taken from Bayou Lafourche (southeastern Louisiana) using GC/MS. The area drained by the Mississippi River and bayou is entirely in the coastal zone and numerous inputs are present including a large concentration of chemical plants. However, no organic pollutants of interest having concentrations greater than the method MDL's were found at any sampling locations. No results thus exceeded industrial discharge permit limits.