Determination of PCBs in Rocky Flats Type IV waste sludge by gas chromatography/electron capture detection
Type IV Rocky Flats Plant (RFP) radioactive sludge samples must be evaluated for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) content before disposal. The Type IV sludge consists of organic solvents, degreasers, cutting oils, and transuranic (TRU) waste mixed with calcium silicate (MicroCel E{reg_sign}) and Oil Dri{reg_sign} to form a grease or paste-like material. For laboratory studies a nonradioactive simulated Type IV RFP sludge was prepared having a composition similar to that expected from field samples. A simplified method was developed for extraction, purification and analysis of PCBs using samples of simulated sludge spiked with Aroclors 1254 and 1260 (reports provided to Argonne indicated Aroclors 1254 and 1260 as the most likely PCB contaminants in RFP sludge samples). The developed method was compared to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accepted SW-846 method for analysis of PCBs (Method 8081). The accuracy and precision data were found to be similar for the two methods. The developed method was also tested with samples of simulated sludge spiked with Pu (in solid and solution forms). Reduction of radioactivity in final extract versus in the spike sample ranged from a factor of 10{sup 5} to 10{sup 7}.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 10135455
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/ACL--93/1; ON: DE94008696
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
400102
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540220
540230
ALPHA-BEARING WASTES
CHEMICAL AND SPECTRAL PROCEDURES
CHEMICALS MONITORING AND TRANSPORT
ELECTRON CAPTURE DECAY
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
PLUTONIUM
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS MONITORING AND TRANSPORT
ROCKY FLATS PLANT
SAMPLE PREPARATION
SIMULATION
SLUDGES