Organic halogens: Determination in marine media of adsorbable, volatile, or extractable compound totals

The environmental impact of the release of halogenated organic compounds to the sea has become of increasing interest during recent decades. Most compounds in this group are xenobiotic of origin and, consequently, of potential environmental hazard. The characterization of domestic and industrial discharges with respect to their contribution of halo-organic compounds to the sea, as well as monitoring to determine the occurrence and levels of halo-organic compounds in the marine environment, have been major topics. This leaflet reviews frequently employed methods for the determination of organic halogens as group parameters in water samples. The methods are evaluated with respect to their applicability in waste water characterization and marine monitoring. Results from the analysis of organic halogens in samples of marine water, sediments, and biological organisms are summarized. It appears that determinations of extractable organic halogens (EOX) in marine samples are the methods of prime interest.