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2 Evaluation Criteria

2.3 Sample Analysis Tools

Qualitative chemical analysis is concerned with identifying the elements and compounds present in a sample. Once it is known which elements and compounds are present, the role of quantitative analysis is to determine the amount of analyte in the sample.

Technologies listed in the Sample Analysis Tools Matrix have been divided into four categories:

  1. Ex-situ and in-situ methods for analyzing VOCs, SVOCs and pesticides (a descriptive summary for each technology listed is contained in Section 6 of the Reference Guide).
  2. Ex-situ methods for analyzing metals (a descriptive summary for each technology listed is contained in Section 7 of the Reference Guide). Ex-situ and in-situ methods for analyzing radionuclides (a descriptive summary for each technology listed is contained in Section 8 of the Reference Guide).
  3. Ex-situ methods for analyzing explosives (a descriptive summary for each technology listed is contained in Section 9 of the Reference Guide).

In-situ is defined as a method conducted without removing the sample from its location under the surface of the ground. Ex-situ is defined as a method that requires removal of a sample from its location (or analysis conducted on the surface of the ground, such as surface scanning using X-ray fluorescence).

For the purpose of comparison, each technology in the Sample Analysis Tools Matrix has been broken down into 10 evaluation criteria:

  1. Media
  2. Selectivity
  3. Susceptibility to Interference
  4. Detection Limits
  5. Turnaround Time per Sample
  6. Applicability
  7. Quantitative Data Capability
  8. Technology Status
  9. Certification/Validation
  10. Relative Cost per Analysis

Ratings for each criteria were derived through two Expert Work Group meetings and a final government review. Many of the ratings are based on subjective evaluations and solely for the purpose of comparison within specific categories. For example, the selectivity rating provided for the photo-ionization detector should only be compared against other methods listed under VOCs, SVOCs, and Pesticides. Specific technical information or clarification surrounding a specific rating is provided in the Reference Guide in that technology's descriptive summary.

The following is a description of each column on the Sample Analysis Tools Matrix:

Technique/Instrumentation: The name of the technology is provided. Most commonly used field techniques, as identified in Subsurface Characterization and Monitoring Techniques (EPA 625-R-93-003), are identified on the Matrix in italics. Usage levels are only approximations, and actual usage may vary from region to region
Reference Guide Page #: Page number for applicable technique or instrument in Reference Guide. The Reference Guide provides a preliminary description identifying the primary use of a method within the site characterization process and technical information on the components and operational procedures of the method.
Analytes: Analytes which can be analyzed are identified. Section 2.4 of the Reference Guide provides a listing of individual contaminants contained in each group. It should be noted that technologies identified as appropriate for a specific analyte group are not necessarily effective for all contaminants listed within that group.
Media:
n Better
l Adequate
D Serviceable.
NA Not Applicable
E Requires extraction to liquid or gas phase.
Each Technique/Instrument was given a subjective evaluation on its ability to perform in following three media categories:
  1. soil/sediment
  2. water
  3. gas/air

“Better” means the technology typically performs better than other technologies in the subsection. “Adequate” means that the technology will be acceptable in average situations. “Serviceable” means the technology may work in limited situations, but should be used only if higher ranked technologies are not available. The Reference Guide identifies applicable media specific capabilities and equipment requirements. Specific media limitations are listed in the Reference Guide under “Limitations.”

Selectivity:
n Technique measures the specific contaminant directly.
l Technique measures the contaminant indirectly.
D Technique measures a part of the compound.
Rating provided is a subjective evaluation on a technique or instrument's ability to measure a contaminant directly. The project DQOs should identify the level of selectivity required. An instrument's ability to measure specific contaminants within a contaminant group may vary. Rating is a relative comparison within the specific category (see Relative Cost for an example). Some technologies measure part of a compound, for example measuring chlorine ions to infer the total amount of chlorinated compounds present.
Susceptibility to Interference:
n Low.
l Medium.
D High.
Rating provided is a subjective evaluation on a technique or instrument's susceptibility to interference from the media being sampled. Broad-based identification of an analyte (example: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)) is more likely to be susceptible to interference than identification of a specific analyte (example: benzene). Rating is a relative comparison within the specific category (see Relative Cost for an example).
Detection Limits:
n 100-1000 ppb (soil); 1-50 ppb (water).
l 10-100 ppm (soil); 0.5-10 ppm (water).
D 500+ ppm (soil); 100+ ppm (water).
NA. Not Applicable
Rating provided is a subjective evaluation of the technology's detection limits for both soil and water samples. The project DQOs should identify the quantitation limits required. An instrument's ability to measure specific contaminants within a contaminant group may vary.
Turnaround Time per Sample:
n Minutes.
l Hours.
D More than a day.
Rating provided is a subjective evaluation on the time it takes to analyze the sample and obtain results. Rating is a relative comparison within the specific category (see Relative Cost for an example).
Applicable to:
n Better.
l Adequate.
D Serviceable.
NA. Not Applicable
Each Technique/Instrument was given a subjective evaluation on its ability to perform the following site characterization functions:
  1. Screen/Identify
  2. Characterize Concentration/Extent
  3. Cleanup Performance - used to monitor progress of cleanup effort.
  4. Long-Term Monitoring - used to monitor effectiveness of cleanup effort.

“Better” means the technology typically performs better than other technologies in the subsection. "Adequate" means that the technology will be acceptable in average situations. "Serviceable" means the technology may work in limited situations, but should be used only if higher ranked technologies are not available.
Quantitative Data Capability:
n Produces quantitative data.
l Data becomes quantitative with additional effort.
D Does not produce quantitative data.
Qualitative chemical analysis is concerned with identifying the elements and compounds present in a sample. Once it is known which elements and compounds are present, the role of quantitative analysis is to determine the composition of the sample. The rating provided is a subjective evaluation on a method's ability to produce quantitative data. DQOs should be used to determine if quantitative data is required. "Quantitative with additional effort" means comparison using more accurate analytical techniques or requires additional sampling and analysis.
Technology Status:
III Commercially available and routinely used field technology.
II Commercially available technology with moderate field experience.
I Commercially available technology with limited field experience.
Technology status was developed based on information from Subsurface Characterization and Monitoring Techniques (EPA 625-R-93-003), EPA's Vendor FACTS, and specific vendor contacts.
Certification/Verification:
Yes Technology has participated in CalEPA certification and/or Consortium for Site Characterization Technology verification program.
No Technology has not participated in CalEPA certification and/or Consortium for Site Characterization Technology verification program.
The California Environmental Protection Agency's (CalEPA) award-winning certification program is a voluntary program that provides participating technology developers, manufacturers, and vendors an independent, recognized third-party evaluation of the performance of new and mature environmental technologies. Developers and manufacturers define quantitative performance claims for their technologies and provide supporting documentation; CalEPA reviews that information and, where necessary, conducts additional testing to verify the claims. The technologies, equipment, and products that are proven to work as claimed receive official state certification. The certification program is voluntary and self-supporting. Companies participating in the program pay the costs of evaluating and certifying their technologies.

The goal of the Consortium for Site Characterization Technology (CSCT) is to increase the use of new characterization and monitoring technologies at cleanup sites. To attain this goal, the Consortium will: (1) identify, demonstrate, evaluate, verify, and transfer information about innovative and alternative monitoring, measurement, and site characterization technologies to developers, users, and regulators; and (2) define and demonstrate a process for verifying the performance of innovative site characterization technologies. By developing this process, the Consortium will facilitate independent testing and demonstrations that can generate the data necessary to evaluate and verify performance.

In addition, the Reference Guide will identify applicable SW-846 Sample Preparation, Cleanup, and Determinative Methods; American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards; U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) compendium recommendations; and Army Corps Design Manual Methods.
Relative Cost per Sample:
n Least expensive.
l Mid-range expense.
D Most expensive.
The current relative cost per sampling is a comparison within technology subsections (6.1, 6.2, etc.). For example, relative cost per sample for technologies in section 4.1 Hand-Held Methods can't be compared with the relative cost for technologies in section 4.2 Power-Driven Soil Samplers. Assumption is that a contractor was hired to provide the analysis or technique. Consideration should be given for required turnaround time for analysis. When appropriate, per sample cost incorporates additional costs associated with an on-site field mobile laboratory. When available, one time capital, operation, and maintenance costs are included in the Reference Guide.

In addition, the Reference Guide contains the following sections:

Limitations: Limitations such as sample preparation, required sample volume, sample preparation and preservation, media/Matrix limitations, temperature operating range, mobility, durability, and availability are listed in the Reference Guide as available.
ASTM Standards: Applicable ASTM standards are listed. A complete list of ASTM Standards applicable to environmental investigations can be found in the following:

ASTM 1996. Standard Guide to Site Characterization for Environmental Purposes with Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone and Ground Water. ASTM D 5730 - 96.
EPA Methods: Applicable EPA methods are listed. Methods are from SW-846 or applicable Drinking Water Standard Methods.
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