Integrated Forensics Approach to Fingerprint PCB Sources using Rapid Sediment Characterization (RSC) and Advanced Chemical Fingerprinting (ACF)
Abstract
This Cost & Performance Report was prepared for Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) Environmental Restoration (ER) Project ER-200826 Integrated Forensics Approach to Fingerprint Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Sources using Rapid Sediment Characterization (RSC) and Advanced Chemical Fingerprinting (ACF). We demonstrate an integrated approach to fingerprint sediment PCB contamination that combines sediment screening technologies on a large number of field samples followed by detailed PCB congener analysis in conjunction with ACF interpretation on a subset of selected laboratory samples to identify PCB sources to sediments. The current alternative approach without a forensics study merely assumes the most visible landholder (often a Department of Defense [DoD] facility) closest to the sediment contamination is responsible. The performance assessment shows the PCB analytical measurements meet the required data quality objectives (DQO) and the investigation techniques show reproducible results with simple artificial datasets as well as the real demonstration site datasets. Investigation techniques (including receptor models) were successful in reproducing original source signatures from artificial datasets that were constructed by mixing the original sources in varying proportions. Additionally, a real dataset from a demonstration site was used to show different investigation techniques produce comparable source results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA591553
Entities
Organizations
- Environmental Security Technology Certification Program