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National Science Foundation Award #0087731

Collaborative Research: Deposition of HFC Degradation Product Trifluoroacetate in Antarctic Snow and Ice

Investigator(s):

Glenn Miller (PI)

Sponsor:

University of Nevada Reno, NV 89557 7757844805

Start Date/Expiration Date

2001-05-15 to 2004-04-30 (amended 2001-05-24)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$52,189

Abstract: 0087731 Miller This award supports a three year project to acquire data on the concentration of trifluoroacetate (TFA) in Antarctic snow. Trifluoroacetate is a highly persistent, atmospheric degradation product of the halogenated ethane derivatives (HCFC, HFC) that have been introduced as environmentally friendly chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) substitutes. However, there is concern that the widespread introduction of HCFC's and HFC's will lead to the accumulation of TFA in aquatic ecosystems. Current data on pre-industrial, background concentration of TFA in meteoric and surface waters, including Antarctic ice, are ambiguous and the impact of anthropogenic TFA on these background concentrations is unclear. Ice core records can provide proxy records of background and anthropogenic TFA deposition. The primary objective of this research is to use ice cores and snow pits at South Pole to develop a temporal record of TFA deposition spanning ~ 1000 years but focused on the past 20 years. The pre-industrial to present record of TFA in near surface snow and ice at South Pole and in West Antarctica will be unique and will lead to a much better understanding of the origin, transport and fate of this contaminant over Antarctica and possibly the globe. In addition, understanding the natural and anthropogenic sources, the regional and long-range movement, and the eventual fate of contaminants is critical to assessing potential impacts on Antarctic ecosystems.

NSF Org:

ANT - Antarctic Sciences Section

Award Number:

0087731

Award Instrument:

Standard Grant

Program Manager:

Julie Palais
ANT Antarctic Sciences Section
OPP Office of Polar Programs

NSF Program(s):

ANTARCTIC GLACIOLOGY, ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY

Field Application(s):

Polar Programs-Related

Program Reference Code(s):

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY, 1043
INTERDISCIPLINARY PROPOSALS, 4444
UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

5116
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY, 1524