SEDL / STP / STP573-EB / STP39035S

Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios as Water Quality Indicators

Tan, FC
Research scientist and scientific officer, Atlantic Oceanographic Laboratory, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Pearson, GJ
Research scientist and scientific officer, Atlantic Oceanographic Laboratory, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Pages: 7    Published: Jan 1975

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Abstract

Stable carbon isotope ratios (C¹³/C¹²) of man-made organic substances such as petrochemicals and pulp mill effluents are generally different from those of the “natural” organic matter in marine environments. By measuring the C¹³/C¹² ratios of background organic matter in the marine environment and the pollution sources, an estimate of the degree of man-made pollution can be obtained.

Principles of the CO¹³/C¹² technique, analytical methods, and an example of its use are discussed together with the limits of applicability of the approach.