Miscellaneous Techniques and Equipment

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Application of radiotracers to studies of environmental pollution source and distribution is rather widespread. This is partly due to encouragement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which through its various symposia, e.g., on radiological techniques in pesticide research (IAEA, 1966a, 1970c) and also on other environmental pollutants (IAEA, 1975a, 1976), has disseminated knowledge on the subject. Perhaps the most extensive use has been in the study of pesticides (Dedek, 1967a,b, 1970, 1975; Casida, 1961; Dahm, 1957; Redemann and Meikle, 1958; Winteringham, 1960; Peterle, 1966; and documented in the bibliographies of Bingelli, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969). Citing 110 references, DeWitt (1978) summarizes the application of isotopes in investigations of air, soil, and water pollution and concludes: Based on established isotope uses, on the projected increase in the pollution problem, and on the apparent social and economic pressure for pollution abatement, a significant demand for enriched isotopes appears to be developing for the assessment and control of air, water, and soil pollutants. Isotopic techniques will be used in combination with conventional methods of detection and measurement, such as gas chromatography, x-ray fluorescence, and atomic absorption. Recent advances in economical isotope separation methods, instrumentation, and methodology promise to place isotopic technology within the reach of most research and industrial institutions. Increased application of isotope techniques appears most likely to occur in areas where data are needed to characterize the movement, behavior, and fate of pollutants in the environment.