Determination of volatile organic compounds in surface waters and treated wastewater in Greece

The occurrence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was studied in river water, lake water, seawater and treated wastewater in Greece from October 1998 to September 1999. The determination of 41 VOCs was performed with a Purge and Trap–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry method. Samples were collected seasonally from 10 rivers, seven lakes, three gulfs and four wastewater treatment plants. In surface water samples, 15 VOCs were detected. In wastewater samples, occurrence of 31 VOCs was observed. The results suggest that not only agricultural and industrial activity within the Greek territory, but also transboundary pollution deriving from neighbouring countries consist important sources of VOCs in surface waters of Greece. However, the measured concentrations did not in any case exceed the guideline values proposed by the EC.