Combining BAC Addition and Filtration for Water Sample Preservation

This research article evaluates the effectiveness of combining benzalkonium chloride (BAC) addition with filtration to inhibit changes in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) during the preservation of water samples for radiocarbon analysis. The study compares the efficacy of BAC addition, filtration using different filter types, and the combination of both methods in preventing DIC alterations caused by biological activity in freshwater and seawater samples. The results indicate that while BAC addition alone is effective in freshwater samples, it does not prevent DIC changes in seawater samples. However, the combined treatment of BAC addition and filtration shows promise in maintaining DIC stability over extended periods. The article discusses the implications of using BAC as a disinfectant compared to traditional methods involving mercuric chloride, highlighting the environmental concerns associated with mercury. The findings suggest that the combined approach can effectively suppress biological alterations in DIC, providing a viable alternative for sample preservation in radiocarbon studies.