The distribution of nitrobenzene and other nitroaromatic compounds in the North Sea

An analytical approach is presented that allows quantification of nitroaromatics below ng l−1 (ppt) levels by fluid-fluid extraction and subsequent GC-AFID detection. Nitrobenzene, 1-chloro-2-nitrobenzene and other nitroaromatic compounds such as musk xylene and musk ketone, synthetic fragrances used on a large scale, were analysed in 33 North Sea water samples in concentrations between 0.05 and 2.5 ng l−1. This is the first report about the contamination of seawater with nitro musks and the distribution of nitroaromatics in the German Bight and the eastern part of the North Sea.