Abstract

This study presents the results of an analysis of themost common Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) inwastewater samples from one of the largest wastewatertreatment plants in Kuwait. Samples from four differentlocations (plant influent, aeration tank inlet, aeration tank, andplant effluent) were collected weekly and were analyzed fortoluene, benzene, xylene, 1, 3, 5 trimethylbenzene,dichloromethane and chloroform. The results showed that allthe selected VOCs were detected except benzene. The averageconcentrations of VOCs that entered the treatment plant wereas follows: chloroform 0.22 ± 0.03 μg/mL, dichloromethane 0.18± 0.05 μg/mL, toluene 0.08 ± 0.01 μg/mL, O-Xylene 0.03 μg/mL,M-Xylene 0.01 μg/mL, P-Xylene 0.02 μg/ml, and1,3,5-trimethylbenzene 0.02 μg/mL. The concentration of VOCsduring the treatment processes decreased for all the selectedVOCs (treatment efficiency >98%), except chloroform, whichhas increased. The disinfection process in the treatment plantmight have generated byproducts (such as chloroform) whichcould have increased chloroform concentration. In conclusion,all of the analyzed VOCs in this study were lower than themaximum level of VOCs in treated wastewater.