Stable isotope analyses of oxygen ( 18 O: 17 O: 16 O) and chlorine ( 37 Cl: 35 Cl) in perchlorate: reference materials, calibrations, methods, and interferences

Abstract

Perchlorate (ClO4−) is a common trace constituent of water, soils, and plants; it has both natural and synthetic sources and is subject to biodegradation. The stable isotope ratios of Cl and O provide three independent quantities for ClO4− source attribution and natural attenuation studies: δ37Cl, δ18O, and δ17O (or Δ17O or 17Δ) values. Documented reference materials, calibration schemes, methods, and interferences will improve the reliability of such studies.