Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Content and Total Hydrocarbon (THC) Content Analysis

Total organic carbon (TOC) is a measure of the amount of organic compounds present in a water sample. Organic carbon-containing compounds may be soluble in water or present as insoluble, suspended material or liquid. This organic matter can enter the water naturally and through man-made sources or processes.

Examples of organic matter are synthetic substances that are plant or animal-based or contain carbon and other elements that define organic compounds. Inorganic matter is compounds containing mineral carbon.

Even though organic compounds themselves are not directly toxic, they can be toxic to the environment in rivers or streams. Organic waste depletes the oxygen levels in the water, causing fish to suffocate and affecting aquatic ecosystems in many other ways.

Measuring the total amount of organic carbon is necessary to comply with regulations and to reduce the formation of disinfection by-products.

One European standard that refers to the assessment of total organic carbon (TOC) is: EN 1484 Water analysis - Guidelines for the determination of total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). This standard provides guidance for the determination of organic carbon in drinking water, groundwater, surface water, seawater and wastewater. While dealing with the definitions, interventions, reagents and sample pretreatment of water samples with organic carbon content ranging from 0,3 mg/l to 1000 mg/l, the lower value is only measured in special cases, e.g. drinking water, with instruments capable of measuring these low levels.

A hydrocarbon is any class of organic chemicals consisting only of the elements carbon and hydrogen. The carbon atoms come together to form the framework of the compound, and the hydrogen atoms are attached to them in many different configurations. The total hydrocarbon content (THC) is used to describe the amount of measured hydrocarbon impurities present.

An international standard that refers to the assessment of total hydrocarbon carbon (THC) is: ISO 9377-2 Water quality - Determination of hydrocarbon oil index - Part 2: Method using solvent extraction and gas chromatography.

Our organization also provides analysis services for total organic carbon (TOC) content and total hydrocarbon (THC) content, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.