METHODS TO DETERMINE PARTITION-COEFFICIENT OF ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS IN WATER POLYSTYRENE SYSTEMS/

Three experimental techniques were employed to determine the partition coefficient (K) of toluene, d-limonene, and ethyl acetate between wat er and polystyrene. These techniques were gas chromatography, (GC) gel permeation chromatography (a novel approach), and a dynamic thermal s tripping-thermal desorption procedure. Comparative results of K values , range of applicability and the limitations of each technique were de termined. GC was very suitable for systems showing high K values, whil e gel permeation chromatography was excellent for direct measurement o f sorbed compounds. Statistical analysis of results and kinetics of th e sorption process were included. Values of K were 800 for toluene, 51 00 for d-limonene and 1.9 for ethyl acetate.