2005 Volume 11 Issue 3 Pages 137-142
The behavior of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in river water, sediment and plants in Jinzu River from upper reaches to estuary and two branches (Furu River and Itachi River) flowing to Jinzu River was investigated by a micro-organic ion-associate phase extraction and a solid phase extraction / HPLC / UV detection method. Furu River passes through a residential area and Itachi River passes sewered town areas. DEHP concentrations at a domestic wastewater discharged point in Furu River ranged 8-25 μg/L in water and 1000-2100 μg/kg in sediment. At the point in Itachi River, DEHP concentrations in water and in sediment were less than 0.6-1 μg/L and 200-500 μg/kg, respectively. In the upper reaches of Jinzu River, DEHP concentrations in water and in sediment were less than 0.6 μg/L and less than 20 μg/kg, respectively, at almost all the sampling points. At the estuary of Jinzu River, DEHP concentration in water was less than 0.6 μg/L, however; it increased up to 300 μg/kg in sediment. Clearly the pollution of sediment was serious not only at the domestic wastewater discharged point but also at the estuary. In submerged aquatic plant, Potamogeton Octandrus Poir sp., DEHP was detected only at an initial stage of the growth in May (2100μg/kg and 1800μg/kg in 2001 and 2002, respectively) and June (600μg/kg and 1100μg/kg in 2001 and 2002, respectively), while DEHP was less than 20 μg/kg in other months both in years 2001 and 2002.
