3.2. Next Steps in Discussion

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define KOC.

   Hint

   What does it measure in terms of partitioning?

2. 2.

   What does the term bioaccumulation mean?

   Hint

   Think of how chemicals can build up in animals.

3. 3.

   What is the unit for KOC?

   • grams per liter
   • litres per kilogram
   • milligrams per liter

   Hint

   What prominent unit measures this type of relationship?

4. 4.

   True or False: KOW refers to the partitioning of a chemical between organic carbon and water.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Revisit what KOW measures versus KOC.

5. 5.

   A researcher measures the KOC of a pesticide, finding a value of 5000 L/kg. What does this indicate about its behavior in the environment?

   Hint

   Consider the implications of high binding affinity.

6. 6.

   Explain the process of evaluating a new chemical's bioaccumulation potential using KOC and KOW values. How are these metrics interpreted?

   Hint

   Draw parallels between how both values signify solubility and accumulation.