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Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5178

Evaluation of Passive Samplers for Long-Term Monitoring of Organic Compounds in the Untreated Drinking Water Supply for the City of Eugene, Oregon, September–October 2007

Conclusions

The POCIS data indicate that cholesterol and diethyl phthalate likely are present in the waters sampled, but at concentrations that are near the quantitation limits of the available analytical methods.

Various PAHs and organochlorine compounds were detected in SPMDs from all sites. All these compounds were detected at concentrations near or less than the method quantification limit except for pentachloroanisole. Pentachloroanisole was measured at concentrations approximately an order of magnitude greater than the MQL at both Cedar Creek and Camp Creek sites and at somewhat more dilute concentrations at the treatment-plant intake.

The data presented here indicate that a number of compounds of concern are likely present in the McKenzie River basin, including at the intake for the Eugene Water and Electric Board drinking water plant, though generally at subnanogram per liter concentrations.

Results from this work indicate that both POCIS and SPMDs are well suited for monitoring organic compounds in the McKenzie River basin where organic compounds of interest are present at concentrations less than the detection limits of conventional sampling techniques. Passive samplers deployed at additional sites and during other streamflow conditions would provide further information on the sources of the organic compounds detected and how their concentrations may vary as hydrologic conditions change from low summer flow to high winter and spring flow.

For additional information contact:
Director, Oregon Water Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
2130 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97201
http://or.water.usgs.gov

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