TPH measurements: The advantage of using GC/MS
- ENTRIX, Inc., Walnut Creek, CA (United States)
- ZymaX Envirotechnology, Inc., San Luis Obispo, CA (United States)
This study provides analytical data supporting the use of GC/MS to quantify TPH in environmental samples. Analysis of these data shows that there is no statistical difference between TPH values quantified using GC/MS and those derived from conventional TPH methods using GC/FID. Further, the GC/MS analysis used in this study is readily adaptable to most environmental laboratories currently performing the volatile and semi-volatile EPA analyses (i.e., 8260 and 8270, respectively; EPA SW 846). The strategic implications of this result are: (1) additional information (e.g., PAHs) often required when conducting a risk based assessment can be derived from pre-existing site assessment data, thereby decreasing the cost and time required to obtain the additional samples and analytical information; and (2) unique TPH distributions can be critically evaluated using mass spectral analysis in order to ascertain the nature and potential source of the compounds present in the TPH mixture. The later point can be crucial when specific sources and their distributions are unknown. The benefits of having MS data available on a routine basis seem to increase as a function of the size and the public profile of the project.
- OSTI ID:
- 569909
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-971116--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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