Using {sup 14}C-labeled radiochemicals can cause experimental error in studies of the behavior of volatile organic compounds

Journal Article · Mon May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00005a011· OSTI ID:45018

Gu, B; West, O R; Siegrist, R L ^[1]

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1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)

This study demonstrates that using {sup 14}C-labeled radiochemicals can cause potential experimental artifacts and error in studies of the behavior of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). Results indicated that the volatilization rates of {sup 14}C-labeled TCE and PCE (analyzed by {sup 14}C radioactivity) were much lower than those of unlabeled TCE and PCE (analyzed by GC). These observations are attributed to (1) the presence of impurities that may be nonvolatile or less volatile than the target organic compound and (2) a possible isotopic discrimination between {sup 14}C-labeled and unlabeled VOCs. It is therefore suggested that caution be used in using radiochemicals in studies of VOC behavior in environmental media and in interpreting experimental data. 33 refs., 3 figs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 45018
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 29; ISSN 0013-936X; ISSN ESTHAG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CARBON 14 COMPOUNDS
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
ERRORS
EVAPORATION
LABELLING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RADIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS
RADIOCHEMISTRY