Accession Number:

ADA235497

Title:

Comparison of Headspace Gas Chromatography with EPA SW-846 Method 8240 for Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Soil

Descriptive Note:

Special rept.

Corporate Author:

COLD REGIONS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING LAB HANOVER NH

Personal Author(s):

• Hewitt, Alan D.
• Miyares, Paul H.
• Leggett, Daniel C.
• Jenkins, Thomas F.

Report Date:

1991-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

12.0

Abstract:

This study compares levels of volatile organic compounds VOCs in a laboratory-prepared soil as determined by headspace gas chromatography and the EPA SW-846 purge and trap gas chromatographymass spectrometry method Method 8240. Vapor exposure was chosen as the method of contaminating the soil with trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, benzene, tricholoethylene and toluene. Preliminary results showed the concentrations of the four compounds determined by the two analytical procedures were not significantly different at the 95 confidence interval for two levels of contamination. These findings indicate that headspace gas chromatography may have significant potential for hazardous waste assessment and cleanup programs.

Descriptors:

• *ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
• *VOLATILITY
• *CONTAMINATION
• BENZENE
• WASTES
• TOLUENES
• HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
• CLEANING
• EXPOSURE(GENERAL)
• VAPORS

Subject Categories:

• Solid Wastes and Pollution and Control

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE