Use of chlorofluorocarbons (CCl3F and CCl2F2) as hydrologic tracers and age‐dating tools: The alluvium and terrace system of central Oklahoma

Abstract

The use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as an age‐dating tool and tracer in shallow groundwaters has been investigated. New methodology for field sampling and preserving groundwaters containing parts per trillion concentrations of the CFCs, F‐1l and F‐12, is presented. Samples are analyzed by purge‐and‐trap gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Physical and chemical processes that can alter natural concentrations (air‐water equilibrium) of CFCs were investigated to assess dating uncertainties. CFC model recharge ages appear to be defined within 2 years under optimum conditions. The method was applied to central Oklahoma to demonstrate the usefulness of CFCs as (1) an age‐dating tool of shallow groundwaters, (2) a tracer of sewage effluent in surface and shallow groundwaters, and (3) a tracer of shallow groundwater. Results of dating indicate two primary recharge periods in central Oklahoma over the past 45 years that correspond to the wet periods 1945–1960 and 1967–1975. Copyright 1992 by the American Geophysical Union.