Persistence of chlorophenolic compounds from pulp and paper mill discharges in Lake Bonney, south-eastern South Australia

Abstract

Chlorophenolic compounds were determined in water and sediment samples from Lake Bonney, south-eastern South Australia, following discontinuation of chlorine bleaching at the Apcel pulp mill (Kimberly-Clark Australia Pty Ltd) in September 1991. Concentrations of chlorophenolics in samples collected between July 1991 and January 1992 have already been reported. Free chlorophenolic compounds had declined rapidly in lake water by January 1992, but reductions in total concentrations (free and bound) in sediment samples were not observed. Further analyses were conducted between February 1992 and November 1993 and are reported in this paper. Both free and bound chlorophenolic compounds were detected in water and sediment samples during this period. Low concentrations (40 ng L^-1) of the free form of chloroguaiacols were detected in lake water up to September 1992, whereas in March 1993 free chloroguaiacols were detected only in a drain that connects the mill to the lake and near the effluent discharge point to the lake. Most chloroguaiacols and chlorocatechols were bound and these declined in both sediments and waters during the study period.