| Abstract: | By means of UV spectra of cyclohexane extracts from aquatic sediments it is possible to distinguish: “normal” mineral oil aromatics (e. g. of the middle distillation fraction), used oils, and highboiling raffinates, tar oils, and — as representative of aromatics listed in the German drinking water ordinance — fluoranthene. Starting with less selective extractants and the basic UV spectra, it is shown that spectra of higher orders frequently allow a quantitative determination of fluoranthene. If it is justified to assume a constant conversion factor, the result of the measurement can be used to calculate the contents of the whole group of aromatics listed in the German drinking water ordinance. A comparison with other methods (HPLC etc.) and with results from other laboratories showed good agreement. Finally, the diagnostic capacity (fingerprint) of derived spectra is pointed out. |
