Page 8 - Application Handbook - TOC

Sum parameter Total Organic Carbon

TOC –Determination in surface and
groundwater

SCA-130-103

The German Water Resources Act exhibit high levels of TOC concentrations
(Wasserhaushaltsgesetz, WHG) serves the caused by natural substances or dissolved
purpose of “sustainable water management harmful substances from the environment.
to protect waters as a component of the
ecological balance, as a basis of human
Typical TOC-
existence, as a habitat for animals and plants Surface water Concentrations in
as well as a usable good”. The various water mg/l
types are defined in this act.
Clean spring water 1 - 2

Weakly polluted rivers 2 – 5
and streams

Nutrient-rich stagnant 5 - 10
lakes

Polluted waters 50 - >100

Clean groundwater 1 -2
(well water)
Typical TOC-Concentrations (1)
■ Definitions according to WHG
Groundwater is defined as “water that is
below the surface of the ground in the Depending on the region, high TIC
saturation zone and in direct contact with the concentration (> 100 mg/L) can also occur in
ground or subsoil”. Surface water is surface water as well as in groundwater.
“permanently or temporarily confined flowing
or standing waters, and unconfined waters At TOC concentrations of far below 10 mg/L,
from natural springs”. Surface waters include it needs to be ensured that inorganic carbon
bodies of water above ground such as lakes, is being purged from the solution.
rivers and streams as well as coastal waters.
Rainwater that has not yet flowed away is
also included.
Surface waters are often contaminated with
particles and harmful substances. They can
only be used as drinking water after
undergoing a treatment process (Wikipedia).
By definition, these waters can be very
different due to regional conditions. They can