The Preparation and Analysis of Soil Compost Material for Inorganic and Explosive Constituents
Abstract
In this report a procedure is described for the physical preparation of compost containing explosives-contaminated soil for chemical analysis. The method involves macerating the air-dried compost mixture using a No. 4 Wiley mill followed by sample splitting using a traditional Jones-type riffle splitter. This procedure allows reliable homogenization and subsampling of compost material, thus improving overall analytical precision for replicate analyses. Comparison of previous results with the proposed method show a decrease in the percent relative standard deviation (% RSD) for replicate analyses from more than 200% to 3% for TNT analyses. Results using the proposed method are reported for selected major and trace elements, in addition to TNT. A hazard review, conducted by Hercules, Inc. of the Wiley mill has been included. A hazard review was conducted prior to operations to assess the potential fire and explosion hazards associated with the operation of the Wiley mill for the homogenization of explosive contaminated samples. This review provides safety recommendations that were followed. Composting, Explosives, Bioremediation, TNT, RDX, HMX, Hazard analysis, Inorganics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA263006
Entities
People
- Stephen A. Wilson