A Review on Identification Methods for TCE Contamination Sources using Stable Isotope Compositions

Abstract

This study was performed to summarize application of δ13C, δ37Cl and δD of trichloroethylene (TCE) to studies on environmental forensic field regarding identification of TCE sources and evaluation of contribution of TCE to groundwater using data collected from literatures. δ13C, δ37Cl and δD of TCE give some information regarding sources of TCE because they show specific value according to manufacturing method. Also, TCE do not show a significant isotopic fractionation owing to adsorption and dilution. The isotopic fractionation mainly occurs by biodegradation. In addition, isotopic fractionation factor for TCE is different according to a kind of microorganism participated in biodegradation. However, the isotopic data of TCE have to be applied with chemical compositions of TCE and other hydrogeologic factors because isotopic fractionation of TCE is influenced by various factors.