NON-REGULATED ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS IN FLORIDA SEDIMENTS

Sediment sample extracts initially analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry during a state-wide study of organic priority pollutants , were re-evaluated using a broad spectrum approach. Mass spectra for most of the non-regulated organic compounds present in each sediment s ample extract were screened. Mass spectral data for these non-regulate d organic compounds were organized into a spreadsheet database. The no n-regulated organic compounds in the database were prioritized and fif teeen of the most frequently occurring compounds or compound groups we re chosen for further study and potential identification. Four compoun ds, calamenene, dehydroabietine, retene and benzo(b)naphtho(2,1-d)thio phene were positively identified. Tetrahydroretene was tentatively ide ntified while three compounds remain unidentified. Seven compound grou ps, including alkylbenzenes, alkylphenols and polycyclic aromatic hydr ocarbons (PAHs) contained many isomers so complete identification of t he individual isomers within each group was not attempted. Information on possible sources and environmental or toxicological impact of thes e chemicals was obtained from the literature.