Abstract

An analytical method was developed for the determination of phenol (P) and the seven substituted phenols in water samples and fish tissue samples collected from three streams located in eastern Gangwon State in spring and summer. The phenols were extracted and then derivatized to phenyl acetates using acetic anhydride. The derivatives were subsequently identified and quantified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. P and 4-nitrophenol (4NP) were found at relatively high levels in water, ranging from below the method detection limit (MDL) to 3.32 μg/L and from < MDL to 4.91 μg/L, respectively. P and 4NP were also the dominant compounds in the fish tissue, ranging from < MDL to 407 μg/kg and from < MDL to 870 μg/ kg, respectively. Phenol concentrations were significantly higher in spring than in summer. The ecological risk quotient calculated for P was higher than 4NP but not high enough to pose any risk of adverse effects to fish health.