The δ13C values of individual trihalomethanes (THM) formed on reaction of chlorine with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leached from maize (corn; Zea maize L.) and Scirpus acutus(an aquatic bulrush), and with DOC extracted from agricultural drainage waters were determined using purge and trap introduction into a gas chromatograph-combustion-isotope ratio monitoring mass spectrometer. We observed a 16.8‰ difference between the δ13C values of THM produced from the maize and Scirpus leachates, similar to the isotopic difference between the whole plant materials. Both maize and Scirpus formed THM 12‰ lower in 13C than whole plant material. We suggest that the low value of the THM relative to the whole plant material is evidence of distinct pools of THM-forming DOC, representing different biochemical types or chemical structures, and possessing different environmental reactivity.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Title | Carbon isotopic constraints on the contribution of plant material to the natural precursors of trihalomethanes |
| DOI | 10.1016/S0146-6380(99)00066-2 |
| Authors | B.A. Bergamaschi, M.S. Fram, C. Kendall, S. R. Silva, G. R. Aiken, R. Fujii |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Organic Geochemistry |
| Index ID | 70021864 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | California Water Science Center; Toxic Substances Hydrology Program |
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Miranda Fram
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Miranda Fram
Program Chief, Statewide and National Water Quality AssessmentsEmailPhone