Variations in Stable Isotope Ratios and Anion Concentrations of In-Flight Water

Katsura, H

HERO ID

1550261

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2013

HERO ID 1550261
In Press No
Year 2013
Title Variations in Stable Isotope Ratios and Anion Concentrations of In-Flight Water
Authors Katsura, H
Journal Asian Journal of Chemistry
Volume 25
Issue 1
Page Numbers 410-418
Abstract Sampling of the water used for hand washing in aeroplane lavatories (in-flight water) was conducted on passenger flights between Narita International Airport in the suburbs of Tokyo, Japan and Changi International Airport in Singapore from August 22, 2009 to July 29, 2010. These samples were analyzed for anion concentrations using ion chromatography (IC) and for stable nitrogen isotope ratios in the nitrate ion (NO3-) using GC- mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of these analyses indicate that in-flight water exhibits variations in stable isotope ratios and anion concentrations during flights. A very low isotopic ratio of delta(delta) N-15/N-14 = -368.5 [per mil] was measured for the in-flight water on an aircraft flying over thunder clouds on November 15, 2009, at 10 degrees North offshore of Luzon Island in the Philippines. If the extremely low stable nitrogen Isotope ratio at -368.5 [per mil] measured on November 15, 2009, at 10 degrees North is excluded, a rough trend consisting of the highest stable nitrogen isotope ratios at nearly the same altitude was observed at neighboring positions of declination. The concentration of the NO3- ion was highly variable in the sampled in-flight water during flight. The following nuclear chemical reaction is well known. (1)(0)n + N-14(7)-> C + H-1(1) If this nuclear chemical reaction occurred, the nitrate ion (NO3-) was converted to carbonate ion (CO32-). Hence, the carbon in the product CO32- would be carbon-14, a radioisotope. The passengers and crew members on flights may use hi-flight water for hand washing, gargling with mouth wash and as drinking water. Internal exposure to radiation in the form of carbon-14 for these individuals is more likely.
Doi 10.14233/ajchem.2013.13127
Wosid WOS:000312620300081
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000312620300081
Is Public Yes
Keyword In-flight water; Passenger flights; Stable isotope ratios; Anion concentrations; delta(delta) N-15/N-14; thunder cloud; Declination