Evaluation of pollution degree of the Odra River basin with organic compounds after the 97 summer flood. Part II. Determination of volatile and semivolatile compounds in post-flood sediments of the Odra basin

The aim of this study was evaluation of pollution degree of the Odra River basin after the 97 summer flood. A variant of purge and trap gas chromatogr aphic technique was applied for the analysis of organic sulfur and halogen compounds and petroleum hydrocarbons in 72 post-flood sediment samples. Vol atile organohalogens were not found in all examined samples. The presence o f some sulfur compounds (ethyl mercaptan and different sulfides) may be att ributed to natural processes. The source of toluene, found in many sample, is not known. Generally, the presence of all determined compounds were belo w admissible level according to Polish legislation for protected area.