Method for testing earth samples for contamination by organic contaminants
Provided is a method for testing earth samples for contamination by organic contaminants, and particularly for aromatic compounds such as those found in diesel fuel and other heavy fuel oils, kerosene, creosote, coal oil, tars and asphalts. A drying step is provided in which a drying agent is contacted with either the earth sample or a liquid extract phase to reduce to possibility of false indications of contamination that could occur when humic material is present in the earth sample. This is particularly a problem when using relatively safe, non-toxic and inexpensive polar solvents such as isopropyl alcohol since the humic material tends to be very soluble in those solvents when water is present. Also provided is an ultraviolet spectroscopic measuring technique for obtaining an indication as to whether a liquid extract phase contains aromatic organic contaminants. In one embodiment, the liquid extract phase is subjected to a narrow and discrete band of radiation including a desired wave length and the ability of the liquid extract phase to absorb that wavelength of ultraviolet radiation is measured to provide an indication of the presence of aromatic organic contaminants. 2 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Western Research Institute
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC21-93MC30127
- Assignee:
- Univ. of Wyoming Research Corp., Laramie, WY (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,561,065/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-337,897
- OSTI ID:
- 378130
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1 Oct 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
CHEMICAL SENSOR AND FIELD SCREENING TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT: FUELS IN SOILS FIELD SCREENING METHOD VALIDATION
Field evaluation of a standard test method for screening fuels in soils at a railroad site