HYPHENATED TECHNIQUES FOR CHARACTERIZING COAL WASTEWATERS AND ASSOCIATED SEDIMENTS

Capillary gas chromatography (cGC)-mass spectrometry (MS) and cGC-atom ic emission detection (AED) were used for the analysis of extracts fro m highly contaminated wastewaters and associated sediments. The main e xtractable constituents in both the lignite wastewater and the sedimen ts include phenols, PAHs, indenols and heterocyclic compounds. Pyrolys is (Py)-GC-MS and Py-GC-AED were used for characterizing the building blocks of the dissolved polymeric organic matter. Polymers of natural and anthropogenic origins could be clearly distinguished. The Py-MS st udies performed with humic organic matter at both atmospheric pressure and high vacuum (in-source mode) indicate a high portion of pyrolysis residue (about 40%, w/w) upon heating to 700 degrees C, irrespective of the pressure level. The products released include many low molecula r weight compounds which are of limited value for characterizing the p olymeric network.