On-site detection of explosives in groundwater with a fiber optic biosensor

Journal Article · Tue Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 2000 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es990815b· OSTI ID:20020742

Van Bergen, S K; Bakaltcheva, I B; Lundgren, J S; Shriver-Lake, L C

Two primary explosives involved in groundwater contamination, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), were detected on-site at low ppb levels with a semiautomated fiber optic biosensor. Validation of the Analyte 2000 for TNT and RDX detection was performed at two Superfund sites, Umatilla Army Depot and Naval Surface Weapons Center Crane. Samples from monitoring wells were split for analysis using the fiber optic biosensor on-site and using US EPA SW-846 Method 8330 (reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography) in an offsite laboratory. The Analyte 2000, a multifiber probe fluorimeter, was coupled to a fluidics unit for semiautomated operation. The fiber optic biosensor assay is based on a competitive fluorescent immunoassay performed on the silica core of a fiber probe. From these studies, the limit of detection was determined to be 5 {mu}g/L for both TNT and RDX. In addition to the field samples, extensive laboratory analyses were performed to determine cross-reactivity, matrix effects, and false positive/negative rates.

• Research Organization: Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC (US)
• OSTI ID: 20020742
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 34; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
GROUND WATER
INDIANA
LIQUID COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY
MILITARY FACILITIES
MONITORING
OREGON
TNT
US SUPERFUND
WATER POLLUTION