2012 Volume 3 Issue 2 Pages 2_97-2_104
A determination of trace perchlorate in environmental samples by suppressor ion chromatography with an online preconcentration technique was developed. This method was applied to the determination of perchlorate in environmental samples such as rainwater, atmospheric aerosol, river, tap and ground waters, and the behavior and origin of perchlorate in the environment were investigated. Moreover, environmental effect of perchlorate on agricultural products and soils was investigated. In 2007-2009, the perchlorate concentration in rainwater had a level of N.D.-3.53 μg/L and an average of 0.72±0.70 μg/L (n = 41). The seasonal variation and average of perchlorate in atmospheric aerosol, 0.02～9.64 ng/m3 and 0.62±1.32 ng/m3 (n = 132), showed a high level from February to April, which pollutants containing perchlorate may be transported from China to Japan by backward trajectory analysis. The perchlorate concentrations in river, tap and ground water samples of Kinki area were lower than the drinking standard of USA (2 μg/L), which may be a safety level for human health. The concentrations of perchlorate in the leaves of vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage were relatively high. The perchlorate data from cow's milk samples from Kyoto(mean 22.6±7.61 μg/L) in 2009 were higher on average than in 2005. Then, perchlorate may be concentrated in the leaves of crops and indirectly affect cow's milk.
