Validation of Chlorine and Oxygen Isotope Ratio Analysis To Differentiate Perchlorate Sources and To Document Perchlorate Biodegradation
Abstract
Perchlorate in the environment is derived from both synthetic and natural sources. Synthetic perchlorate salts have been widely used as oxidants by the military and aerospace industry. A variety of commercial products also contain synthetic perchlorate. In addition to synthetic sources, natural perchlorate from both Chilean fertilizers and indigenous sources represents a potentially large source of perchlorate in groundwater and drinking water in the US. During this ESTCP project, chlorine and oxygen isotope analysis was utilized to both distinguish perchlorate sources and to document perchlorate biodegradation. Chlorine and oxygen isotopic analyses of perchlorate provide the primary direct approach whereby different sources of perchlorate can be distinguished from each other. Other isotopic, chemical, and geochemical techniques that can be applied in conjunction with isotopic analyses of perchlorate to provide supporting data in forensic studies are also described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA600070
Entities
People
- Baohua Gu
- J. K. Böhlke
- Neil C. Sturchio
- Paul B. Hatzinger