Rapid and sensitive method for determination of total organic carbon by wet oxidation-nondispersive infrared gas analyzer

Abstract

A sample water treated by phosphoric acid in the oxidation vessel was bubbled by carbon-free air to expel the inorganic carbon, and was heated to produce carbon dioxide from organic materials by potassium persulfate oxidation using silver nitrate catalyzer. After the removal of water vapor by desiccant, the concentration of carbon dioxide was measured by nondispersive infrared gas analyzer. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.5 to 5000 μg C in l to 50 ml of glucose standard solution. The coefficient of variation of 10 replicates of 100 μg C glucose was 1.6%. It was also ascertanied that the method was applicable not only to the dissolved organic compounds but also for the particulated matter of small organisms. The method is valid for the determination of TOG in natural waters and for the rapid monitoring of organic pollutants in water-works and sewers.