2.1. Partitioning in Biological Systems

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define KOC.

   Hint

   Think about the ratio of concentrations.

2. 2.

   What does hydrophobicity indicate?

   Hint

   Consider how a substance interacts with water.

3. 3.

   What does KOC represent?

   • The ratio of concentration in organic carbon to water
   • The ratio of water to organic carbon
   • The valuation of soil quality

   Hint

   Focus on the chemical interactions with organic matter.

4. 4.

   True or False: High KOW values indicate a chemical is more likely to stay in water.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about where the chemical accumulates.

5. 5.

   Given a set of chemicals with varying KOC and KOW values, predict which chemical would be most likely to accumulate in aquatic life and explain your reasoning.

   Hint

   Evaluate both KOW and KOC values.

6. 6.

   Design an experimental setup to measure KOC for a novel chemical. Outline the steps you would take, the controls necessary, and how you would analyze the results.

   Hint

   Consider controls from past studies and the need for standard organic carbon sources.