Gas chromatographic analysis of glycols to determine biodegradability

Journal Article · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1981 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00104a016· OSTI ID:6013268

Kaplar, D L; Walsh, J T; Kaplar, A M

The biodegradability of propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and trimethylolethane, when challenged by activated or anaerobic sludge microorganisms, was investigated. The disappearance of the substrates was monitored by gas chromatography. Glycols are industrial pollutants also found as hydrolysis products from the corresponding nitrates, which are used as military propellants. Propylene glycol was readily degraded. The initial stage of decomposition of diethylene and triethylene glycol was nonbiological, but trimethylolethane was relatively stable under the conditions tested. A gas chromatographic method was developed for direct injections of the glycols in aqueous solutions having a limit of detection in the low-ppm range. This represents a significant improvement in sensitivity over previously reported methods for aqueous solutions of glycols. (Refs. 13).

• Research Organization: US Army Natick Labs, Science and Advanced Tech Lab, Environmental Protection Group, Natick, MA 01760
• OSTI ID: 6013268
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 16:10; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400105* -- Separation Procedures
ALCOHOLS
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
BIOCONVERSION
BIODEGRADATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHROMATOGRAPHY
DECOMPOSITION
DIGESTION
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
GLYCOLS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
MANAGEMENT
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTANTS
POLLUTION
PROCESSING
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SPECTROSCOPY
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES