Direct analysis of organic compounds in aqueous by‐products from fossil fuel conversion processes: Oil shale retorting, synthane coal gasification and coed coal liquefaction¹

Research sponsored jointly by the Energy Research and Development Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency under Interagency Agreement D5‐E681.

Abstract

Whole water samples are injected directly into a gas Chromatograph equipped with a packed Tenax‐GC column. Polar compounds are separated with good resolution under the temperature programming conditions employed. The by‐product water from oil shale retorting contains carboxylic acids in the homologous series ranging from acetic to decanoic acid. Various amides, cresols and phenol are present in trace amounts. Coal conversion by‐product waters also contain carboxylic acids, but in trace amounts (except acetic). Major components among the dissolved organics in coal conversion samples are phenol, o‐cresol, m‐cresol and p‐cresol. Present at lower levels are several other alkyl substituted phenols and napthols.

Key words:

• Aqueous Effluents
• Oil Shale
• Coal
• Gas Chromatography

Notes

Research sponsored jointly by the Energy Research and Development Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency under Interagency Agreement D5‐E681.