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The Added Value of Utilizing Stable Isotopes in Environmental Forensics
Oral Presentation
Prepared by P. Philp, T. Kuder, J. Allen
University of Oklahoma, School of Geology and Geophysics, Norman, OK, 73019
Contact Information: Pphilp@ou.edu; 405-325-4469
ABSTRACT
Environmental forensics is primarily directed towards determining who was responsible for the release of contaminants into some area of the environment. The contaminated environment may be air, water or soil but all of the investigations will have a common goal. There are many analytical techniques in the tool box of the environmental forensic scientist. However this talk will focus on one tool in particular that continues to increase in terms of applicability, namely stable isotopes. This does not imply stable isotopes can be thought of as a stand-alone tool but for this talk they will be the focus. The purpose of this presentation will be to illustrate with various examples how the carbon, hydrogen and chlorine stable isotope compositions of various compound classes are being used as tools to determine the source of contaminants and also evaluate whether specific compounds are undergoing degradation through natural attenuation. Specific examples to be discussed with include contamination of water samples with ethylene dibromide, thought to have been originated from its use as a lead scavenger in leaded gasoline; a groundwater case where the groundwater was contaminated with chlorinated solvents; and a vapor intrusion study to illustrate how a multiple isotope approach can be used to evaluate possible sources of specific VOCs in indoor air samples; and finally a example of water well contamination related to hydrofracturing. In addition to illustrating the applications to the specific case studies, time will be devoted to explaining some of the shortcomings of the approach and potential pitfalls in the interpretation. Finally if time permits, potential applications for future forensic studies incorporating stable isotopes will be discussed.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by P. Philp, T. Kuder, J. Allen
University of Oklahoma, School of Geology and Geophysics, Norman, OK, 73019
Contact Information: Pphilp@ou.edu; 405-325-4469
ABSTRACT
Environmental forensics is primarily directed towards determining who was responsible for the release of contaminants into some area of the environment. The contaminated environment may be air, water or soil but all of the investigations will have a common goal. There are many analytical techniques in the tool box of the environmental forensic scientist. However this talk will focus on one tool in particular that continues to increase in terms of applicability, namely stable isotopes. This does not imply stable isotopes can be thought of as a stand-alone tool but for this talk they will be the focus. The purpose of this presentation will be to illustrate with various examples how the carbon, hydrogen and chlorine stable isotope compositions of various compound classes are being used as tools to determine the source of contaminants and also evaluate whether specific compounds are undergoing degradation through natural attenuation. Specific examples to be discussed with include contamination of water samples with ethylene dibromide, thought to have been originated from its use as a lead scavenger in leaded gasoline; a groundwater case where the groundwater was contaminated with chlorinated solvents; and a vapor intrusion study to illustrate how a multiple isotope approach can be used to evaluate possible sources of specific VOCs in indoor air samples; and finally a example of water well contamination related to hydrofracturing. In addition to illustrating the applications to the specific case studies, time will be devoted to explaining some of the shortcomings of the approach and potential pitfalls in the interpretation. Finally if time permits, potential applications for future forensic studies incorporating stable isotopes will be discussed.