Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of TNT: two-dimensional source identification

Data from a combination of laboratory and fieldwork is presented to initiate testing of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios to trace sources of TNT in contaminated soil and groundwater. Evaluation of these extraction methods resulted in 99.9 and 99.8% recovery of TNT with Soxhlet and solid-phase extraction (SPE), respectively. As a result of the high extraction efficiency, isotope fractionation did not occur, thus providing an accurate stable isotope value on TNT from laboratory and field samples. Subsequent experiments evaluated the stability of isotope signatures through incubations lasting up to four weeks with a 70% decline in the TNT concentration. During these experiments, no significant variation in stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios was measured. Five different sources of TNT, compared for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios, showed a range of 4.2 and 15%, respectively. This large range in the isotope ratios suggests excellent potential to trace sources in a complex environment. Finally, a site was surveyed for concentrations and isotope values of TNT extracted from groundwaters. Values from this site were substantially different relative to the variation measured on standards and in laboratory incubation experiments. The data set indicates good potential to use stable isotopes to determine TNT sources and fate in the environment.