Application of Advanced Sensor Technology to DoD Soil Vapor Intrusion Problems

Abstract

This study demonstrated the use of a unique prototype gas chromatograph with sensor array detection, the analytical components of which are microfabricated from Si (micro-GC), for analysis of indoor air concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) at low- and sub ppb levels, related to vapor intrusion (VI) applications. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate the performance of the prototype micro-GC in two operating modes: portable mode for forensic and spatial monitoring; and fixed location mode for longer term temporal monitoring (exposure estimation). Results from the micro GC and from TO -15 reference samples were compared. Above the mitigation action level (MAL; 2.3 ppb), the micro-GC accurately determined TCE under complex field matrix conditions. Below the MAL, TCE micro GC determinations were positively biased due to unresolved interferences. This study stands as the first of its kind, where micro-GC instrumentation was shown capable of sustained, reliable, automated measurements of a trace-level component (TCE) in a complex VOC mixture in real-world environments.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA572776

Entities

People

  • David R. Burris
  • Edward T Zellers
  • James H. Reisinger

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Alkanes
  • Alkenes
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Circuit Boards
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Environment
  • Environmental Protection
  • Groundwater
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Materials Science
  • Measurement
  • Organic Compounds
  • Pattern Recognition

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Groundwater Contamination Remediation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design