A quest to locate sites described in the world's first publication on trichloroethene contamination of groundwater

摘要: ‘Contamination of water by trichloroethylene’ Lyne & McLachlan (1949) ( Analyst , 74, 513) is believed to be the UK9s and world9s first publication documenting cases groundwater contamination trichloroethene (TCE). The paper on this now notorious contaminant appears have been overlooked for half a century. passage over 55 years since publication, both authors being deceased, original text brevity including omission site identities makes uncovering historical details surrounding difficult. Our quest identify location two anonymous case study sites described reported. Literature archive searches, consultations with relevant professionals, data matching descriptions reconnaissance visits were undertaken. ‘public analysts’ providing certified analysis local authority jurisdictions Reading, Berkshire, Oxford parts London City Westminster Boroughs Chelsea, Fulham Marylebone. Such large jurisdictional area has made identification challenging. search date focused upon based affiliation address given it most industrialized jurisdiction covered. Although some candidate found, unfortunately none could conclusively identified as McLachlan9s sites. It remains possible that may still located within Reading but simply not recognized because paucity provided records generally remain from 1940s. Industrial areas other served are more limited, searched. suggests ultimate proof would require contact personnel directly involved incidents. This has, however, become very remote possibility.