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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:

  1. Either a direct injection or purge and trap method is used for sample introduction.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

ASTM Standards/EPA Methods:

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


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