Site reactivity probes: [1,2-13C]chloroacetic acid, a reactivity probe for soil

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/es00008a040

Assessing the reactivity of a given site or soil for chemical or biochemical conversion should be a valuable asset for predicting the rate and nature of the processes by which xenobiotics may be transformed in the soil-water sphere. A knowledge of this reactivity could also be useful as a guide for choosing pesticides that may be environmentally tolerable or rapidly degraded at a given site. Moreover, reactivity probes should be a convenient means of assessing the effectiveness of bioremediation efforts. The author's strategy for the development of reactivity probes rests primarily upon studies of the transformations alkyl halides may undergo in the soil-water sphere. Because of their findings chloroacetic acid is chosen as a potential substance for development into a reactivity probe for soil. -from Authors