Determination of Chlorine-Containing Organics in Chlorinated Sewage Effluents by Coupled ³⁶Cl Tracer—High-Resolution Chromatography

Abstract

A method has been developed to study the effects of chlorination on sewage and the effluents from sewage treatment plants. This method combines radioactive tracer (³⁶Cl) chlorination with high-resolution chromatography. The need for such methodology follows from the lack of data about chlorination effects and from the concern that chlorination will yield environmentally harmful substances. Utilizing this experimental technique, over 40 chlorine-containing organic constituents were detected in the effluent from the primary stage of a domestic sanitary sewage treatment plant.

Key Words:

• Chlorination
• chlorination effects
• chlorine-containing organics
• chlorinated sewage effluents
• ³⁶Cl tracer
• high-resolution liquid chromatography