On-site profiling and speciation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at manufactured gas plant sites by a high temperature transfer line, membrane inlet probe coupled to a photoionization detector and gas chromatography/mass spectrometer
- Tufts University, Medford, MA (United States). Chemistry Department, Center for Field Analytical Studies and Technology
A new high temperature transfer line, membrane inlet probe (HTTL-MIP) coupled to a photoionization detector (PID) and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) was used to rapidly profile and speciate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the subsurface. PID signals were in agreement with GC/MS results. Correlation coefficients of 0.92 and 0.99 were obtained for discrete and composite samples collected from the same exact location. Continuous probe advancement with PID detection found coal tar, a dense nonaqueous phase liquid, in soil channels and saturated media. When samples were collected conventionally, split, solvent extracted, and analyzed in the field and confirmation laboratory, GC/MS measurement precision and accuracy were indistinguishable; despite the fact the field laboratory produced data five times faster than the laboratory using standard EPA methods. No false positive/negatives were found. Based on these findings, increased confidence in site conceptual models should be obtained, since PID response indicated total PAH presence/absence in 'real-time', while GC/MS provided information as to which PAH was present and at what concentration. Incorporation of this tool into a dynamic workplan will provide more data at less cost enabling environmental scientists, engineers, and regulators to better understand coal tar migration and its impact on human health and the environment. 24 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 21017113
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 42, Issue 4; Other Information: arobbat@tufts.edu; ISSN 0013-936X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
TOWN GAS
COAL GASIFICATION PLANTS
MEMBRANES
PROBES
COAL TAR
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SOILS
CONTAMINATION
SOLVENT EXTRACTION
DETECTION
DECONTAMINATION
MATERIALS RECOVERY
MIGRATION
PHOTOIONIZATION
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MEASURING METHODS
ACCURACY
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT