2009 Volume 19 Issue 3 Pages 351-360
We have developed a comprehensive analytical method for nearly 900 semi-volatile organic compounds in water samples utilizing an automated identification and quantification system with a gas chromatography - mass spectrometry database (AIQS-DB). To verify the usefulness of the comprehensive method and to clarify the status of chemical pollution of rivers throughout Japan, we surveyed 882 semi-volatile organic compounds. In the farming season (May to August) in 2005, samples were taken in the middle and lower reaches of 11 rivers flowing through urban and rural areas. The number of chemicals per sample ranged from 0 to 78 (median 15), and 188 of the 882 analytes were detected at least once. Seventy-five chemicals, including 10 pesticides, were found with above 10 % frequency; four pharmaceuticals and personal care products were detected with above 40 % frequency. The total per-sample analyte load ranged from 0 to 819 μg /L (median 3.1). Although no chemical was present in concentrations greater than specified in drinking-water guidelines and environmental standards, 14 substances exceeded the predicted no-effect concentrations for aquatic life. Since a large number of chemical concentrations were able to be obtained by the comprehensive method, we were able to plot pollution profile which is useful in giving an overall picture of chemical pollution in the survey site. From pollution profiles obtained in this survey, it was confirmed that the main pollution sources in Japanese rivers are household, business, and agricultural activities, not industrial activities. The results confirmed that our comprehensive method utilizing the AIQS-DB is a powerful and useful tool for evaluating chemical pollution in the environment.
