Determination of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Concentrations: Environmental Measurements

Why Determination of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Concentrations?

What is Total Organic Carbon (TOC)?

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is the measurement of all organic carbon in a sample of water or other liquid. TOC is an important parameter used to assess the organic load of water, the amount of organic pollutants and the quality of water. TOC analysis is used to determine the level of contamination of water by organic substances and the source of these substances. In water quality management, TOC analysis is a component that should be monitored during water treatment processes and is critical to understanding the impacts of water on the ecosystem.

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Determination is a type of test performed with different fields. Values detectable by TOC analysis:

Indicator of water pollution caused by synthetic organic compounds
Chemical characterization
Degree of humidification of waste
Estimation of soil carbon content
Soil carbon cycle
Carbon fluxes in water systems

What is the Importance of TOC Determination?

Water Quality Assessment: TOC analysis is used to determine the organic load of water. High TOC concentrations can increase the sensitivity of water to biological activity and chemical reactivity. TOC levels in water sources play a critical role in determining the need for water treatment, water biofouling and efforts to maintain the natural purity of water.
Industrial Applications: TOC analysis provides control of organic compounds in various industrial processes. For example, TOC measurements are used in wastewater treatment plants, food and beverage industries and the chemical industry. TOC analysis is used to monitor industrial processes, control wastewater quality and improve treatment efficiency.
Environmental Risk Assessment: TOC is used to protect the quality of water resources and monitor environmental impacts. TOC analysis is part of environmental monitoring programs to determine how much contaminants the water contains. This analysis plays an important role in understanding the impacts of water on the ecosystem.

What are the Methods for Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Determination?

Accurate and precise determination of TOC is done using various analysis methods. Here are some of these methods:

Carbonization - Fire Method (Dry Combustion Method): It is one of the most widely used methods in TOC analysis. The sample is burned under a charring process at high temperature and in the process the organic carbon is converted into CO₂ and CO gases. These gases are then measured with a gas detector. This method ensures high precision and accurate results.
Ultraviolet (UV) Oxidation Method: For example, a water sample is exposed to UV light, which decomposes organic compounds into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water. The amount of CO₂ is then measured using a gas detector. The UV oxidation method can be effective for measuring TOC at low concentrations.
Acidic Oxidation Method: This method involves the oxidation of organic compounds under acidic conditions. The oxidation products are analyzed with a gas chromatograph. TOC concentrations are determined by analyzing these products. This method allows TOC to be measured, especially at low concentrations.
Potentiometric Titration Method:This technique involves the chemical determination of the total amount of carbon in a water sample. TOC is decomposed to carbon dioxide in acidic media and measured with a titration device. This method provides a direct and rapid measurement of TOC.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Concentrations Determination. We also provide services in Emission - Imission Measurements.

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