Water chlorinated aliphatic compound-contaminated

This study described the application of a common analytical procedure adapted for compound-specific stable carbon isotope analyses of riverine contaminants. To evaluate the sensitivity of the analytical method and the precision of the isotopic data obtained a set of numerous substances at different concentration levels were measured. For most of the anthropogenic contaminants investigated (including chlorinated aliphatics and aromatics, musk fragrances, phthalate based plasticizers and tetrabutyl tin) acceptable carbon isotope analyses could be obtained down to amounts of approx. 5 ng. These amounts correspond to concentrations in water samples at a natural abundance level of low to medium contaminated river systems. However, it has to be considered that the accuracy as well as the sensitivity of the analytical method depend partially on the chemical properties of the substances measured. 

Chlorinated organic compounds (COCs) refer to the substitution of one or more hydrogen in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives by chlorine. COCs are widely used in the fields of chemistry, medicine, electronics, pesticides, etc. Many COCs are endocrine disturbance substances, show carcinogenic effects, and have been listed as priority pollutants by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). When released into the environment, COCs are transported in both air and water. However, COCs are chemically stable and difficult to destroy, and they are eventually deposited in soils and sediments due to their hydrophobic-ity. Soils and sediments contaminated with COCs are long-term sources of pollutants and pose great threats to human health and ecosystems. Therefore, remediation of these contaminated soils and sediments is of great importance. 

S Halogenated Compounds Many halogenated compounds, either because of their extensive use or their persistence are of environmental interest. The smaller, halogenated aliphatics have been used extensively and are common ground water contaminants," while the persistence of the PCBs and chlorinated dibenzo dioxins is well documented. Hydroxyl radicals are the more important oxidants in the vapor phase and the hydrocarbon structure determines the nature of the reaction. Second-order rate constants for some of these compounds are summarized in Table 6.27. 

Reductions Microbial and mammalian nitroreductase reduces nitro compounds to amines. Chlorinated alkanes and alkenes are common contaminants in ground water and chlorinated aromatics, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, are often detected in soils and sediments and it has been of interest to evaluate the potential for these compounds to be metabolized. A number of microorganisms are able to dechlorinate both halogenated aliphatic and aromatic compounds in a reduction reaction." It has been observed that the more highly chlorinated congeners are more reactive in these systems in contrast to the response in oxidative dechlorinations. 

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