[CPEO-MEF] Nonpoint perchlorate sources, Long island, NY

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

NONPOINT SOURCES OF PERCHLORATE IN GROUNDWATER OF SUFFOLK COUNTY, LONG
ISLAND, NY

JENNIEL MUNSTER et al
Geological Society of America
2006 Philadelphia Annual Meeting (22–25 October 2006)
Paper No. 12-12

Perchlorate in groundwater is a concern due to the threat of a mandated 
national drinking water standard provoked by the likelihood that low 
levels of perchlorate may disrupt normal thyroid function. Nonpoint 
sources may be an important contribution to the perchlorate 
concentrations of groundwater, however since they are widespread they 
are difficult to discern and remediate. We measured perchlorate 
concentrations of nonpoint sources in Suffolk County, NY. Perchlorate 
was determined using ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. 
Perchlorate was detected in nearly all samples.

Rain water concentrations of 90 ± 10 parts per trillion (ppt) were on 
average higher that those measured globally. Global average values are 
10-70 ppt. Chemical fertilizers ranged from 0 to 25 ppt, while one 
organic fertilizer measured at 8.6 ppb; natural nitrate deposits in 
Chile with high perchlorate are commonly used in organic fertilizers. 
The organic fertilizer we measured contains kelp, which is also known to 
contain perchlorate. We were surprised to find up to 163 ppb of 
perchlorate in soil water under turfgrass maintained with organic 
fertilizer. Suffolk County receives 44 inches of rain annually plus the 
sites were regularly irrigated. Thus, we would expect perchlorate to be 
diluted in soil water influenced by fertilizer unless there is another 
source of perchlorate.

For the entire abstract, see
http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2006AM/finalprogram/abstract_112943.htm

--
Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
http://www.cpeo.org

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