Volatilization | The Henry's Law constant for n-tridecane is estimated as 1.94 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 0.0375 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 0.0047 mg/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that n-tridecane is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(3). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 4 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 5.4 days(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 18 months if adsorption is considered(4). n-Tridecane's estimated Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). n-Tridecane is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure(SRC). Literature: (1) Haynes WM, ed; CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th ed., Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press LLC, p. 15-21 (2014) (2) Coates M et al; Environ Sci Technol 19: 628-32 (1985) (3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (4) US EPA; EXAMS II Computer Simulation (1987) |
Soil Adsorption | Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of n-tridecane can be estimated to be 8800(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that n-tridecane is expected to be immobile in soil. In a study conducted to mimic a spill of 1.27 L/sq-m, n-tridecane (present in JP-4 jet fuel) was transported to a depth of 10 cm; at the end of the study (134 days), it was no longer detected(3). Literature: (1) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of Nov 11, 2015: http://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools (2) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (3) Ross WD et al; Environmental Fate and Biological Consequences of Chemicals Related to Air Force Activities. NTIS AD-A121 288/5. Dayton,OH: Monsanto Research Corp. pp. 173 (1982) |