Abstract:
This study was conducted in 12 sampling stations within PETRONAS Petrochemical
Integrated Complex (PPIC), Kerteh, and Kerteh River during Northeast monsoon. The
type of samples used to detect Volatile organic compounds (VOC) in this research is
water. The samples were collected by using modified water sampler and preserved with
30 drops of 6N/300mL HCI before being placed in ice chest to maintain the temperature
between O to 4
°
C. Samples were brought back to the laboratory for further analysis and
identification by using GC- FID. Twelve species of VOC were detected and their
concentrations were measured. The most dominant species identified was I, 4-
dichJorobenzene that appeared in eight stations during pre monsoon, eleven stations
during intermediate monsoon and in all stations during post monsoon. Averagely, 3
species were presents in each sampling station. From the research, it was known that the
species and concentrations of VOCs were unevenly distributed and cannot been
predicted. Total VOCs concentrations detected in Station I to Station 12 from pre to post
monsoon were ranged between 0.0193µg/mL to 9.7535µg/mL. Exposure to the water at
sampling areas (except for water with VOCs concentrations lower than 0.20µg/mL) can
cause acute effects such as irritation, discomfort, exposure effects, headache and
neurotoxic effects. Concentrations of VOCs along KIPC and GPP drainage reduced with
increased distance towards the outflow of the drainage in Kerteh River except for GPP
drainage during intermediate and post monsoon. Open pond which usually used to reduce
organic containing wastewater present between Station 7 and 8 of KIPC drainage. The
pond was not functioning well during this monsoon season except in intermediate
monsoon. Concentration of VOC has found to be dependable on temperature and salinity.
