Isotope Effects as New Proxies for Organic Pollutant Transformation

• DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2014.788
• Publication Date: 2014-12-01T23:46:50Z
• Authors: Thomas B. Hofstetter; Jakov Bolotin; Sarah G. Pati; Marita Skarpeli-L...; Stephanie Spahr; Reto S. Wijker
• Keywords: Isotope Analysis; Kinetic isotope effect; Benzotriazole; Degradation

Assessing the pathways and rates of organic pollutant transformation in environment is a major challenge due to co-occurring transport degradation processes. Measuring changes stable isotope ratios (e.g. (13)C/(12)C, (2)H/(1)H, (15)N/(14)N) individual compounds by compound-specific analysis (CSIA) makes it possible identify without explicit need quantify concentration dynamics. The so-called fractionation observed an related effects (bio)chemical reactions enables one characterize even if multiple processes take place simultaneously. Here, we illustrate some principles CSIA using benzotriazole, frequently aquatic micropollutant, as example. We show subsequently how combined C N nitroaromatic reveals kinetics mechanisms reductive oxidative well their (bio)degradation environment.