FRTR Field Sampling and Analysis Technologies Reference Guide

9 SAMPLE ANALYSIS TOOLS for EXPLOSIVES

9.1 EX-SITU ANALYSIS

9.1.3 GC/MS

Use:

GC/MS is a hybrid technique that combines the separation capability of the gas chromatograph (GC) (see 9.1.1), the analytical capability of the mass spectrometer (MS) (see 9.1.2), and the capability to provide real-time, on-site data. NOTE: Due to instability of certain explosives, GC/MS is not a preferred option. However, low concentrations of thermally sensitive explosives can be safely analyzed using proper procedures.

See 6.2.8 for use with VOCs, SVOCs, and pesticides.

Description:

GC/MS systems allow better resolution of components in complex mixtures than mass spectrometry alone and are most commonly used for unequivocal identification of hazardous compounds. A GC is essentially a highly efficient device for separating a complex mixture into individual components. When a mixture of components is injected into a GC equipped with an appropriate column and carrier gas, the components travel through the column at different rates. A mass spectrometer (MS) located at the end of the column can then analyze each component separately as it leaves the column. In essence, the GC allows the mass spectrometer to analyze a complex mixture as a series of pure components.

Analytes:

10. Explosives

Media:

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

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 (turnaround time may increase due to calibration requirements).

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:

Calibration of portable GC/MS systems can be time consuming.
GC portion of the system requires a library of retention times to identify compounds, and non-target compounds could be difficult to identify if detected analytes are not in the library or the quality of the library match is too low to make positive identification.
MS portion of the system requires a library of spectra.
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