FRTR Field Sampling and Analysis Technologies Reference Guide

6 SAMPLE ANALYSIS TOOLS for VOCs, SVOCS, and PESTICIDES

6.2 EX-SITU ANALYSIS

6.2.15 Infrared Spectroscopy

Use:

Identification of organic and organometallic molecules.

Description:

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is the measurement of the wavelength and intensity of the absorption of mid-infrared light by a sample. Mid-infrared light, wavelength of 2.5 - 50 痠 (1痠 = 1x10-6 m), is energetic enough to excite molecular vibrations to higher energy levels. The wavelengths of IR absorption bands are characteristic of specific types of chemical bonds, and different inorganic or organic functional groups have distinctive absorption spectra that help identify mineral or chemical phases in a sample.

Analytes:

1. Non-Halogenated VOCs
2. Non-Halogenated SVOCs
3. Halogenated VOCs
4. Halogenated SVOCs

Media:

Soil/Sediment	Water	Gas/Air
Requires extraction to a liquid or gas phase	Requires extraction to a liquid or gas phase	BETTER

Selectivity:	Technique measures the contaminant indirectly.
Susceptibility to Interference:	High.
Detection Limits :	10-100 ppm (soil); 0.5-10ppm (water).
Turnaround Time per Sample:	Minutes.

Applicable To:

Screen/Identify	Characterize Concentration/Extent	Cleanup Performance	Long-Term Monitoring
BETTER	ADEQUATE	BETTER	BETTER

Quantitative Data Capability:	Data become quantitative with additional effort.
Technology Status:	Commercially available technology with moderate field experience.
Certification/Verification:	Technology has not participated in CalEPA certification and/or CSCT verification program.
Relative Cost per Analysis:	Mid-range expense.

Limitations:

For solid samples, particle size must be less than the wavelength of the infrared radiation.
Moisture can cause interference.

EPA Methods:

8440	Total Recoverable Petroleum Hydrocarbons by IR Spectrophotometry.

Sample Access/Collection Matrix

Sample Analysis Matrix

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