ABSTRACT
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the most commonly encountered class of compounds at Superfund and other hazardous waste sites (McCoy, 1985; Plumb and Pitchford, 1985; Plumb, 1987; Arneth et al., 1988). Table 25.1 ranks the most commonly encountered compounds at Superfund sites. Many VOCs are considered hazardous because they are mutagenic, carcinogenic, or teratogenic and are commonly the targeted contaminants in site remediation projects. Volatile organic compounds are present at most sites, and indeed, are so ubiquitous that it has been suggested that they be used as indicators for the presence of other organic compounds (Plumb, 1987). Most Frequently Occurring Organic Compounds at Supedaend Sites
Frequency Rank
Compounds
Mean Concentration %
Frequency Detected
1
toluene
1.021
38
2
o-xylene
0.839
37
3
ethylbenzene
0.228
31
4
methylene chloride
0.078
17
5
bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
0.021
15
6
naphthalene
0.027
13
7
perchloroethylene
0.135
12
8
2-butanone
0.690
11
8
phenol
0.241
11
9
2-methylphenol
0.383
9
9
trichloroethene
0.217
9
9
4-methyl-2-pentanone
0.117
9
10
benzene
0.058
8
10
acetone
0.665
8
Note: Samples collected from drums, tanks, pits, ponds, and trucks. Samples are expected to be concentrated. Samples taken from 221 sites in 41 states prior to 1984. A total of 133 organic compounds were identified.