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9 SAMPLE ANALYSIS TOOLS for EXPLOSIVES

9.1 EX-SITU ANALYSIS

9.1.6 Toxicity Tests


Use: Toxicity tests use specific aquatic and terrestrial organisms and/or microorganisms to measure biological response to specific contaminants or mixes of contaminants.

See 6.2.25 for use with VOCs, SVOCs, and pesticides, 7.1.11 for use with metals, and 8.2.6 for use with radionuclides.

Description:

The toxicity test consists of luminescent microorganisms which emit light as a normal consequence of respiration and a temperature controlled luminometer which reads the bacterial light output. Chemicals or chemical mixtures which are toxic to the bacteria cause a reduction in light output proportional to the strength of the toxin. A computer is linked to the system to provide data processing and storage capabilities.

Analytes:

10. Explosives

Media:

Soil/Sediment Water Gas/Air
BETTER BETTER BETTER
Selectivity: Technique measures a part of the compound.
Susceptibility to Interference: High.
Detection Limits : Not Applicable.
Turnaround Time per Sample: Minutes.
Applicable To:
Screen/Identify Characterize Concentration/Extent Cleanup Performance Long-Term Monitoring
BETTER BETTER 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: Least expensive.

Limitations:

ASTM Standards/EPA Methods:

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


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