Risk Assessment for Soil and Groundwater from Leakage of Sewer Systems (II)
Project A3:
Geochemical Processes within the Leakage of Sewer Systems. DOC Characterization and Studies on the Behavior of Pharmaceuticals
(Kanalleckage II)

Biological and physical-chemical reactions in sewer systems as well as in leakage areas can be approximately quantified by determination of DOC (dissolved organic carbon) and TOC (total organic carbon). Further differentiation of the parameter can be done by the analytical determination of specific organic compounds, e. g. amino acids, carbohydrates, and organic acids. These bio-molecules can be present either in bound form or easily available. The specific patterns of the bio-markers (free or after hydrolysis) will be determined depending on different microbial environments, in the direct leakage area as well as after different soil passages. Halogen specific parameters AOCl, AOBr and AOI will be determined by combining the standard AOX procedure (AOXDIN) with off-line IC (ion chromatography) and ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) detection of the combustion products (Cl-, Br-, I-) recovered from the AOX analyser. In addition, typical I-containing substances like the X-ray components iomeprol, iohexol und ioxithalamic acid will be determined. Type and concentration of the different compounds can be used as fingerprints of the organic carbon (DOC and TOC) with regard to the biological and geochemical transformation processes. Thus, conclusions can be drawn about origin and ongoing transformation processes and reactions.

DFG - Research Unit Leakage of Sewer Systems (Link no longer available)