TOC is a measure of the amount dissolved organic (i.e. carbon-containing) chemicals in water. Any dissolved organic substance in natural water may be termed TOC. There are many natural and man-made substances that all contribute to TOC. Microorganisms, in the process consuming oxygen, may break down TOC.
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Common name: TOC
Use
TOC is used as a convenient parameter for assessing water quality associated with the aqueous discharge of organic chemicals. It can be measured directly in water samples measuring the amount of carbon dioxide that is liberated after treatment with chemical oxidants.
Releases to the environment
All plants and animals in natural waters contribute to TOC as a result of their normal metabolism and excretion of waste products and their eventual death and decomposition. Sources of concern include sewage, farm slurry and silage run-off, landfill leachate, fish farm effluent, food processing effluents e.g. abattoirs, dairies and distilleries.
Impacts on the environment and human health
At high TOC concentrations, so much oxygen in the water may be used up that there is not enough to support fish and other aquatic animals, which will die. There are examples of coastal waters and fjords becoming anaerobic at depth due to man's activities: It is seen in the Kattegat, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea. No health concerns can be identified for this diverse group of substances.
International actions
TOC is on the EU-Commissions EPER list and listed in the PRTR Protocol under the Århus Convention.
CAS NO: Not applicable for this diverse group of substances.