Partitioning of organic chlorine between bulk water and benthal interstitial water through a Kraft mill aerated lagoon

Abstract

This report discusses the measured distribution of total and low molecular weight organic halides through a Kraft mill aerated lagoon. Both benthal interstitial water and corresponding overlying water patterns were measured. Benthal solids were analyzed for extractable organic halide and for total halide concentration. Octanol/water partition coefficients were calculated for lagoon influent and inplant acid and caustic sewers. Ether extractables of the influent and sewers were determined at high and low pH. The extent of organic halide partitioning between the overlying water and the benthal zone is indicative of the role of biosorption in the transport of organic halide compounds from the water column to the benthal zone of the lagoon. Evidence is presented for the occurrence of microbial dehalogenation within the anoxic benthal deposit.