Investigation and assessment of volatile organic compounds in water sources in China

456 water samples collected from 152 water sources in 2006 were analyzed for 21 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Concentrations of 21 VOCs ranged from below method detection limits of the laboratory to 7.65 μg/L (toluene), but seldom exceeded the concentration limits set in the National Drinking Water Quality Standards (GB5749-2006) or the National Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water (GB3838-2002) of China. Of the 21 individual VOCs analyzed, 11 VOCs were detected in at least one sample at or above 1.0 μg/L; 6.6% of the water samples had a detection of at least one VOC at or above 1.0 μg/L, and 2.6% had a detection of at least two VOCs at or above 1.0 μg/L. Based on the statistical data of detection frequencies above the method detection limits, 75% of the samples detected at least one VOC, and 65% of the samples detected at least two VOCs. Chloroform, toluene, and 1,2-dichloroethene were the three most frequently detected VOCs, with detection frequencies of 76.97%, 68.42%, and 44.08%, respectively. Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons and gasoline components were the two most frequently detected VOC groups.