Determination of volatile organic compounds in surface water and sediment using liquid-liquid extraction in selected zones of Asa River, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research presents the development of a methodology for analysing volatile organic compounds in selected zones of Asa River, Kwara State. The liquid-liquid extraction procedure of two organic solvent (Hexane : Dichloromethane) (1:1 v/v) was employed to remove volatile organic compounds from river and sediment samples, for further identification and quantification showed very good recovery and repeatability. The mean recovery percentage range was between 96.7±1.5-104.0±1.0 for river samples while 97.3±2.2-104.0±1.0 for sediment samples at a fortification level of 0.01 µg/l. In addition, volatile organic compounds were determined by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The limit of quantification was 0.05 µg/l which was below the maximum level allowed by the European council directives for volatile organic compounds (0.5 µg/l).