Microsoft Word - WaterChemistry

249

SOC Section..................................

Common water sampling bottles.

SOC/VOC bottles are the smaller, thin bottles with the septum tops. Be careful not to get any air
bubbles in the SOC/VOC bottles and this may take a few weeks to learn to collect a proper
sample.

SOC Introduction

Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs) are organic (carbon based) chemicals that are less volatile

than Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). SOCs are used as pesticides, defoliants, fuel additives

and as ingredients for other organic compounds. They are all man made and do not naturally occur

in the environment. Some of the more well-known SOCs are Atrazine, 2,4-D, Dioxin and

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs).

SOCs most often enter the natural environment through application of pesticide (including runoff

from areas where they are applied), as part of a legally discharged waste stream, improper or

illegal waste disposal, accidental releases or as a byproduct of incineration. Some SOCs are very

persistent in the environment, whether in soil or water.