FRTR Field Sampling and Analysis Technologies Reference Guide

9 SAMPLE ANALYSIS TOOLS for EXPLOSIVES

9.1 EX-SITU ANALYSIS

9.1.1 Gas Chromatography (GC) plus detector

Use:

Gas chromatography is used separate volatile organic compounds. When used in combination with a detector, Gas Chromatography can be used to identify compounds. NOTE: Due to instability of certain explosives, GC is not a preferred option. However, low concentrations of thermally sensitive explosives can be safely analyzed using proper procedures.

See 6.2.4 for use with VOCs, SVOCs, and pesticides.

Description:

The apparatus used in gas chromatography (GC) consists of four basic components:

Either a direct injection or purge and trap method is used for sample introduction.
Separation of a gaseous mixture is accomplished by using an unreactive carrier gas (mobile phase) such as nitrogen or helium to drive the mixture though GC column coated with nonvolatile liquid or solid sorbent (stationary phase). Because the components of the mixture interact to different extents with the stationary phase, they move along the column at different rates causing separation to occur.
Once the analytes have been separated in the column, they are eluted one after another, and then enter a detector attached to the column exit.
A method of quantifying identified compounds.

Analytes:

10. Explosives

Media:

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

Selectivity:	Technique measures the specific contaminant directly.
Susceptibility to Interference:	Low.
Detection Limits :	10-100 ppm (soil); 0.5-10 ppm (water).
Turnaround Time per Sample:	Hours.

Applicable To:
Screen/Identify	Characterize Concentration/Extent	Cleanup Performance	Long-Term Monitoring
ADEQUATE	ADEQUATE	ADEQUATE	ADEQUATE

Quantitative Data Capability:	Produces quantitative data.
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:	Most expensive.

Limitations:

Selectivity dependent on the detector type used.
Less sensitive than mass spectrometers (see 9.1.2)
The type of explosive (thermally sensitive, shock sensitive, etc.) and relative concentration in the sample should be identified prior to analysis to establish proper handling procedures.

ASTM Standards/EPA Methods:

No applicable ASTM standards or EPA methods are cited for this technology.

Sample Access/Collection Matrix

Sample Analysis Matrix

Home

Areas of Interest