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Perchlorate - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Perchlorate : (noun)
1: a salt of perchloric acid
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Perchlorate : \Per*chlo"rate\, n. (Chem.)
A salt of perchloric acid.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Perchlorate : Perchlorate: A chemical used as the primary ingredient of solid rocket propellant and in munitions beginning in the 1950s. Perchlorate is also used in the production of explosives and
fireworks. It adds the blue color to firework displays. Perchlorate remains in use and is unregulated. For disposal, perchlorate has often been dissolved in water and poured on the ground. Perchlorate
dissolves easily and moves quickly in underground water and surface water. It breaks down very slowly in the environment. Wastes from the manufacture and improper disposal of perchlorate-containing
chemicals are increasingly being discovered in soil and water. Traces of perchlorate have been found in groundwater in virtually every state in the US. It has been detected in many rivers and low
levels have been found in some lettuce samples and milk. The term perchlorate includes ammonium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, and perchloric acid.
Perchlorate interferes with thyroid gland tumors.
There are several types of treatment systems designed to reduce perchlorate concentrations. Biological treatment and ion (anion) exchange systems are among the technologies in use. In the US there
has been disagreement between different parts of the government -- between the Defense Department and NASA on the one hand and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the other -- about the danger
of perchlorate and the need to clean it up.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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