This paper described a determination of volatile organic compounds (such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and phenol) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 by US EPA method) in atmospheric air in Zabrze in 1997. Samples were collected on sorbents (graphitized carbon for BTEX, Chromosorb 102 for phenol and polypropylene filter for PAH) capable of selectivity trapping a wide range of substances. Samples were than analysed using an extraction by solvents followed by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionised detector or ion trap mass detector. The lower limit of detection was circa O.Ol μg/m3 for most compounds. Using a gas chromatograph with ion trap mass detector it was possible to identify 35 organic compounds in urban air in Zabrze. GC-MS is powerful tool for identification organic compounds, but GC with FID detector is most sensitive for quantitative determination of volatile organic compounds.

Determined concentrations of BTEX and PAHs in bottom sediments of strong polluted dam- reservoir Dzierżno Duże (Western Part of Upper Silesian Region in South of Poland) are presented. Hydrocarbons (PAH) concentrations have not grown since 1979. The effect of adaptation process of microbiological groups to PAH degradation over the long period of pollution in the anthropogenic ecosystem is presented. Organic pollutants are deposited in the bottom of the Kłodnica river estuary. Total PAHs concentration in bottom sediments was estimated about 30 mg/kg dry weight near the Kłodnica estuary and it gradually decreases. In the distance of 700 m from first part of the water reservoir, PAH concentration is lower than 80% of the concentration, which was determined in the first sampling points of the estuary. In the present ecosystem the hydrocarbons are the element of strong environmental contamination.