Technical Articles
If you are looking for information on project related contamination issues, here are articles that will help.
Chromium Speciation – Total Chromium, Hexavalent Chromium & Trivalent Chromium Mercury Analysis and Mercury Speciation.
Chromium is an essential micronutrient in the trivalent form, however the hexavalent form of chromium is considered to be a carcinogen. There are a number of methods available for chromium determination. These methods include SW846-6020, SW846-7196¸ SW846-7199, EPA 218.6 and EPA 218.6. The choice of method depends on required detection limits and the species of chromium one is interested in determining. Read More.
Mercury Analysis and Mercury Speciation
There are a number of methods available for analyzing for mercury, ICP/MS (EPA 200.8/ EPA 6020), Cold Vapor (EPA 245.1/ EPA 7470/ EPA 7471) Species Fractionation (EPA 3200), and Low Level (EPA 1631). The choice of method is dependent on regulatory requirements, required detection limits and the species of mercury of interest. Read More.
Mercury Speciation EPA 3200 – Method
SW-846 is not intended to be an analytical training manual. Therefore, method procedures are written based on the assumption that they will be performed by analysts who are formally trained in at least the basic principles of chemical analysis and in the use of the subject technology. Read More.
ICP-MS Analysis for Metals EPA 6020 -EPA 200.8
The advantages of the ICP-MS EPA 200.8/6020 are numerous. This instrument offers very low detection limits, relative freedom from spectral and chemical interferences, broad elemental coverage, high sample throughput, and simultaneous multiple element capability. Read More.
Sampling and Analysis for Volatiles in Soil Using EPA Method 5035
The procedure for sampling and analysis of soils for volatile organic compounds by GC/MS EPA 8260, TPH GRO by EPA 8015, and BTEX, MTBE & naphthalene by GC EPA 8021 was updated in June, 1997 to Method 5035. This update eliminated Method 5030 (using a soil packed jar) for soil volatile organic analyses because studies had shown that the results for many target analytes were biased low. To minimize this bias, the USEPA developed Method 5035, incorporating changes that greatly reduced the handling of soil samples in open air in the field by samplers and by analysts. Read More.
TCLP EPA 1311 vs. SPLP EPA 1312
TCLP analysis by EPA 1311 is a leaching procedure designed to replicate the leaching of contaminants in municipal landfills due to typical municipal landfill leachates. In contrast SPLP analysis by EPA 1312 is designed to mimic the leaching of contaminants exposed to normal weathering in situ by acid rain. TCLP extractions are often misapplied. Read More.
Utilizing TPH GRO DRO and ORO by EPA 8015 Effectively
The acronyms TPH GRO and TPH DRO stand for total petroleum hydrocarbons in the gasoline range and total petroleum hydrocarbons in the diesel range respectively. It is important to recognize that these tests are not tests for gasoline or diesel fuel specifically, but rather petroleum hydrocarbons that are in the “range” of those found in gasoline or diesel fuel. TPH ORO is a modification of the TPH DRO procedure that allows for the quantification of lubricating and hydraulic oils. Read More.
TPH 8015 Chromatogram Comparison of Different Fuel Types
The EPA 8015 TPH GRO and DRO method is the primary tool for quantifying petroleum in the “gasoline range” and the “diesel range”. However, these method also detect other types of fuels and oils. Whereas the analysis provides quantification, there is often more useful information that can be obtained by reviewing the chromatogram. Read More.
Sampling Tips the Top Ten
Based on 25 years of experience, we have seen time and time again that attention to some minor details can make sure a sampling and analysis effort is successful. Here are 10 tips that is followed can get you what you need every time. Read More.
Low Level Mercury Sampling Guidance EPA 1669- Method
This sampling method was designed to support water quality monitoring programs authorized under the Clean Water Act. Section 304(a) of the Clean Water Act requires EPA to publish water quality criteria that reflect the latest scientific knowledge concerning the physical fate (e.g., concentration and dispersal) of pollutants, the effects of pollutants on ecological and human health, and the effect of pollutants on biological community diversity, productivity, and stability. Read More.
Standard Operating Procedure Leak Testing VAPOR PIN® Via Mechanical Means
The operating procedure describes methodology to test a VAPOR PIN® equivalent sub-slab sampling device and sample train for leakage of indoor air. Mechanical leak testing is generally simpler and less costly than testing with tracer gases such as helium, but relevant state, program, or other guidance documents should be consulted to determine if a specific type of leak test is needed. Read More.