Obtaining and Transferring Soils for In-Vial Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds.
Abstract
The ability to retain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while collecting and transferring intact soils for in-vial analysis was evaluated with field and laboratory samples. Experiments were designed to assess if VOC concentrations are maintained in an intact soil sample when (1) held for under an hour in a metal core liner, (2) held for days in a metal core liner sealed with TFE-flourocarbon sheets or aluminum foil (ASTM D4547-91), (3) held for less than 2 minutes in a plastic bag after extruding from a sampling device, and (4) immediately transferred to an empty vial to which a solvent was added later. Results indicate that these procedures are all highly susceptible to volatilization losses. To maintain site-representative VOC concentrations, collection of soil samples for in-vial analysis should occur within minutes of exposing a fresh surface by using a device that limits soil structure disruption and exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA306918
Entities
People
- Alan D. Hewitt
- Nicole J. Lukash
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory