Characterization of organic compounds in compost-amended soil

Samples of compost-amended soil from waste dumping sites in Lagos Metropoli s were extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 20 cm(3)) and the extract was ev aporated at 35 degrees>C. The residue was extracted with 2,2,4-trimethylpen tane, and portions of the solution were applied to a column containing sili ca gel from which aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were eluted with n-he xane and toluene respectively. Analysis of the n-hexane fraction using gas chromatography showed the presence of a mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons, ranging from C-9 to C-25, while ultraviolet analysis of the toluene fractio n suggested 1,2-benzanthracene; 2,3-benzphenanthrene, chrysene and pyrene a s polyaromatic compounds present in samples analyzed. The crude extracts we re highly coloured and viscous. Total extractable organic residues in the 2 ,2,4-trimethylpentane extracts ranged from 36 to 89 mg g(-1) of soil.