How Do Ground-Water Concentrations from VOC Sources Differ?
VOC contamination can originate from the release of liquids, such as petroleum hydrocarbons or solvents, at one location. The release of VOCs from a LUST is an example of such contamination and commonly results in concentrations of VOCs in ground water near the source at the milligram or gram per liter level. These large concentrations are one reason why this type of contamination can spread over a large area. Contamination also can originate over large areas from sources such as leaking water and sewer lines, stormwater runoff, and atmospheric deposition. Typically, these sources result in small concentrations (microgram per liter or smaller) in water.
