Identification of Organic Components in Aqueous Effluents from Energy-Related Processes
SourceThe qualitative and quantitative comparison in seven aqueous samples from four different energy-related operations were determined. Striking differences were observed in both the types and quantities of individual organics in samples from coal and oil shale processes. High-resolution gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was required to provide sufficient separation and molecular characteristics for identification of each organic substituent. These instrumental processes must be computerized to allow for fast data reduction.
A greater amount and diversity of nitrogen-containing compounds were found in samples from in situ oil shale processing. Few qualitative differences were apparent among samples from in situ and low-Btu coal gasification.