Determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in wastewater from petrochemical industri area in Kerter Terengganu

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.