Predicted distribution of 16 short-chain chlorinated paraffins in air, water, soils and sediments

Abstract

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins are industrial contaminants of great concern due to their persistent and toxic characteristics. The predicted distribution of short-chain chlorinated paraffins in air, water, soils and sediments is unclear because their physiochemical properties are poorly known. Here, we calculated the coefficients that control the partitioning behaviors of 16 short-chain chlorinated paraffins. The results show an increase in partitioning coefficients with chlorine number for short-chain chlorinated paraffins with carbon chain length of 10. Mono-chlorinated short-chain chlorinated paraffins show an increase in partitioning coefficients with carbon number. Short-chain chlorinated paraffins with chlorines at both ends of the carbon chain have relatively lower values of $$\log K_{\text{ow}}$$ and $$\log K_{\text{oa}}$$ . Results from the fugacity model show that mono-chlorinated short-chain chlorinated paraffins are likely to partition into water, whereas multi-chlorinated short-chain chlorinated paraffins are likely to partition into soil.