Physicochemical characterization partition coefficient

The substance-specific kinetic constants, kx and k2, and partition coefficient Ksw (see Equations 3.1 and 3.2) can be determined in two ways. In theory, kinetic parameters characterizing the uptake of analytes can be estimated using semiempirical correlations employing mass transfer coefficients, physicochemical properties (mainly diffusivities and permeabilities in various media), and hydro-dynamic parameters.38 39 However, because of the complexity of the flow of water around passive sampling devices (usually nonstreamlined objects) during field exposures, it is difficult to estimate uptake parameters from first principles. In most cases, laboratory experiments are needed for the calibration of both equilibrium and kinetic samplers. 

The sequence, position, and distribution of separated components contain a good deal of information on the mixture. If properly measured and interpreted, this can serve many analytical goals without further tests. The quality of this information naturally improves as the system is better understood, characterized, and controlled. Informational content is greatest when, through theory and/or calibration, one can identify zones or peaks located at defined positions in the sequence with specific molecular species At that point, using a suitable sensor (detector), both qualitative and quantitative analyses follow. One can, at the same time, often measure certain physicochemical constants for the components, such as partition coefficients and diffusion constants. 

The gas-particle partitioning refers to the propensity for a typical molecule of the chemical to exist between the two phases, and is characterized by the partition coefficient Kp. The value of Kp is dependent of not only the physicochemical properties of the chemical such as vapor pressure (P°) and octanol-air partition coefficient (Koa), but also the concentration, size distribution, and chemical... 

As mentioned before, POP transport in the environment depends on their physicochemical properties [40-54], and these include saturated vapor pressure, solubility, Henry s law constant, octanol-water, octanol-air, and organic carbon-water partition coefficients. The saturated vapor pressure characterizes the capability of a substance to be transferred to the gaseous state. Eollowing the study of Wania and Mackay [40], the efficiency of POP condensation with subcooled liquid pressure (p°L) at 25°C above 1 Pa is very low. POPs with a vapor pressure between 1 and 10" Pa are condensed at a temperature of about -30°C and their deposition may be expected mostly in the polar latitudes. POPs with a vapor pressure of subcooled liquid from 10" to 10" Pa are condensed at a temperature above 0°C and they may reach to the middle latitudes. EinaUy, POPs of low volatility with a vapor pressure of subcooled liquid below 10" Pa are practically not vaporized and these substances may be transported and deposited as fine aerosols or coarse particles [39]. Using the vapor pressure of the subcooled liquid it is possible to characterize the partitioning of a POP between the gas phase and the solid phase of the atmospheric aerosol. The POPs having a lower vapor pressure are better bound with... 

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