Chemical Sensing in the Marine Environment, Final Report.
Abstract
The objective of the Chemical Sensing in the Marine Environment (CSME) program is the detection of trace levels of explosives and their degradation products in marine littoral environments. This involves developing an understanding of the influence of biological organisms on their distribution and fate, and the development of sampling techniques and strategies for studying these analyses in the near shore environment. During the OSME program, new methods for sampling and detecting trace levels of explosives from unexploded ordinance in seawater were developed and demonstrated. This included the development of a large manifold pumping system to allow sampling and solid phase extraction of up to 100 liters of seawater in 15-30 minutes. This system allows detection to parts-per-trillion levels, and can be monitored by underwater video and current meters to select preferred sampling stations. Diver manipulated "wands" for the collection of large seawater samples were also demonstrated. This may have application for the study of other types of trace organic compounds in seawater. The role of RVM Scientific in the first phase of the CSME program has been to provide support in the areas of experimental design for sample collection, test site selection, coordination of OSME meetings and field tests, to participate in sample collection, documentation of results, and to provide help with trouble-shooting and the development backup approaches during field testing. The present report focuses on the sampling approaches and configurations used in the CSME field tests, and does not include discussion of explosive compounds and degradation products or CSME chemical analysis results, which will be presented elsewhere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA345727
Entities
People
- Paul Mpaul M. Holland