Characterization and fate of alkyl methylphosphonates in standard soils used in the provisional technical secretariat inter-laboratory comparison
- Univ. of Delaware, Newark, DE (United States)
Soil properties are shown to have profound effects on both the analytical approach used and the interpretation of analytical results, particularly in soils. Alkyl methylphosphonates are used as indicator compounds for the detection of organophosphonate nerve agents in both site remediation and Chemical Weapons Treaty verification activities. The environmental fate of alkyl methylphosphonates is extremely dependent on the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil matrix. This study presents the soil characteristics and alkyl methylphosphonate fate properties of three standard soils used in the Provisional Technical Secretariat Inter-Laboratory Comparison Testing Program. Alkyl methylphosphonates are transformed in soils by a variety of mechanisms, and degradation rates can vary tremendously between soil types. Sorption, chemical hydrolysis, and biological activity are shown to be critical processes. Environmental fate parameters must be used in the consideration of target compounds, technique, and data interpretation.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 416162
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/M--4315; CONF-9409370--; ON: DE95016127
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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