ABSTRACT
n-Octane is a highly volatile constituent in the paraffin fraction of crude oil and natural gas. n-Octane is released to the environment via the manufacture, use, and disposal of many products associated with the petroleum and gasoline industries. Photolysis or hydrolysis of n-octane are not expected to be important environmental fate processes. Biodegradation of n-octane may occur in soil and water; however, volatilization and adsorption are expected to be far more important fate processes. A high Koc indicates n-octane will be immobile in soil and may partition from the water column to organic matter contained in sediments and suspended solids. Based upon the water solubility and log Kow, the bioconcentration factor (log BCF) for n-octane has been calculated to be 2.89 and 3.71, respectively, from recommended regression-derived equations. These bioconcentration factor values indicate bioconcentration may be important fate process for n-octane in the environment.
