Identification of organic pollutants in Ter river and its system of reservoirs supplying water to Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain): A study by GC/MS and FAB/MS

This study was carried out in order to evaluate the degree of contamination of Ter river water in the system of reservoirs of Sau-Susqueda-El Pasteral located in its basin. This system supplies raw water for drinking purposes to Barcelona city and surroundings. Effluents from industrial areas containing complex mixtures of organic chemicals covering a broad range of compound classes were taken. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of individual compounds were performed in order to identify the origins of these substances and their impact on the quality of receiving waters can be assessed. The application of GC/MS, FAB/MS and CLSA to grab and integrated samples has provided information on such pollutants. Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, polyethoxylated nonylphenols, solvents, fatty acids, plasticizers, alkylbenzenes, pesticides and miscellaneous compounds have been identified.