Stable chlorine and carbon isotopic compositions of selected semi-volatile organochlorine compounds

TitleStable chlorine and carbon isotopic compositions of selected semi-volatile organochlorine compounds
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsDrenzek N.J, Tarr C.H, Eglinton T.I, Heraty L.J, Sturchio N.C, Shiner V.J, Reddy C.M
JournalOrganic Geochemistry
Volume33
Issue4
Pagination437-444
Date Published2002
ISBN Number0146-6380
Keywordsaroclors, fractionation, hydrocarbons, intrinsic bioremediation, samples, solvents, trichloroethene
Abstract

To assess whether the isotopic composition of semi-volatile organochlorine compounds (SVOCs) may be a useful tool, we measured the bulk delta(37)Cl and delta(13)C values of several pesticides and Aroclor mixtures from different suppliers. Overall, the delta(37)Cl and delta(13)C values ranged from -5.10 to + 1.22% and -31.63 to -22.39%, respectively. These values are narrower than the ranges observed previously for volatile organic contaminants (VOCs). In particular, the isotopic compositions of the Aroclor mixtures were very tightly constrained for both chlorine and carbon, We also observed that SVOCs synthesized from hexachlorocyclopentadiene had the most enriched delta(37)Cl values. These data provide a baseline for future work employing isotope ratios to study the environmental fate of SVOCs. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.