Simple Field Screening Method for White Phosphorus (P4) in Sediment.
Abstract
A simple field screening method to detect white phosphorus particles in sediment is described. A thin layer of wet sediment is heated until all water evaporates. The presence of white phosphorus is indicated by visual detection of the inflammation of white phosphorus particles that occurs at relatively low temperatures (less than 40 deg C) once a protective layer of water is removed. The field screening method consistently gave positive results for samples where solvent extraction followed by gas chromatography indicated white phosphorus concentrations above 1 micrograms/g. A more sophisticated method, based on solid-phase microextraction and gas chromotography determination, was also tested. Concentrations less than 1 microgram/kg were detectable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA311992
Entities
People
- Carl Bouwkamp
- Charles H. Racine
- Charles M. Collins
- Marianne E. Walsh
- Philip G. Thorne
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory