ISSN:
1573-515X
Keywords:
toluene
;
biogeochemistry
;
volatilization
;
degradation
;
mesocosm experiments
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract The fate of toluene in coastal seawater was investigated in controlled ecosystems using14C- and3H-toluene as tracers. Under winter-like conditions, 80% of the toluene volatilized from the water column in 2 months. Microbial degradation was less important than volatilization and sorption onto particulate matter with resultant loss to the sediments was minor. During summer most of the toluene was degraded by microbes. Nearly 80% of the toluene was converted to CO2 within 1 week and the label remained in the water column as dissolved CO2. The experimental results were applied to estimate the removal rates and the residence time of toluene in adjacent Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. In winter volatilization would dominate the loss of toluene and a residence time of 6 d would be predicted. However, rapid biodegradation in summer would result in a residence time of 〈 1 d.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02187375
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