Masters Thesis

Perchlorate in soils, water resources and crops of San Fernando Valley and Ventura County, California

Perchlorate is an anion composed of four atoms of oxygen and one atom of chlorine (Cl04} It forms naturally and also has been commercially manufactured and used since the late 19th century. Perchlorate contamination is a relatively new environmental issue. The chemical was first recognized as a drinking water contaminant in 1997. Digestion of perchlorate through consumption of food products and beverages is a threat to human health. As a result, the extent of perchlorate contamination, and in tum, its potential impact on the local population, all available perchlorate data for Ventura County and the San Fernando Valley have been compiled. The results of data collection indicate a close correlation between the areas of perchlorate occurrence and industrial zones. Perchlorate concentration levels in soils, waters and crops of the study area are up to 62,000,000 ppb. In the San Fernando Valley and southern Ventura County, where perchlorate has been consistently detected, sources are closely related to industrial and rocket testing activities. Specifically, perchlorate, with concentrations of up to 336 ppb, has been detected in crops raised in Ventura County, groundwater resources of Simi Valley, and soils and waters of the San Fernando Valley superfund site areas. Improper waste disposal activities with no documentation, less stringent environmental regulations in the past, and a lack of historical monitoring XIV for perchlorate in imported water from the Colorado River, make it difficult to estimate the amount and exact sources of perchlorate released to the environment.

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