Follow NEMC
 |
 |
 |
Considerations for the Collection of Solid Samples for Volatile Organic Analysis in an Arctic Environment: Frozen Cores and More
Oral Presentation
Prepared by L. Dupes, R. Vitale, S. Lennon, J. Kraycik
Environmental Standards, Inc., 1140 Vallery Forge Road, Valley Forge, PA, 19520
Contact Information: ldupes@envstd.com; 610-935-5577
ABSTRACT
The field collection of solid samples for the analysis of volatile organics by Method 5035/5035A has been inconsistently applied to environmental work since the initial release of the SW-846 Methods in 1996 and 2002, respectively. Sample collection in various types of glass jars was also removed at the same time. The sample collection methods specified in in 5035/5035A are appropriately generic and do not address soil sampling in extreme field conditions in an Arctic environment. Sample collection at subzero temperatures allow sampling equipment and personnel to move quickly over the surface, thereby reducing deleterious impact to tundra environments.
Although the data quality objective is to collect samples for volatile organics in a manner that reduces the amount of time the sample is exposed to the environment to limit the loss of volatile contaminants of potential concern (COPC), the techniques and collection of volatile organics from frozen soil cores containing tundra mat and ice lenses require special considerations which obviously are not addressed in the published method. This paper will present observations and considerations associated with winter sampling efforts conducted in subzero field conditions, deviations from methodology requirements with regard to sample collection dates and times, sample handling, subsampling, and storage and shipment requirements as well as proposed solutions and method modifications.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by L. Dupes, R. Vitale, S. Lennon, J. Kraycik
Environmental Standards, Inc., 1140 Vallery Forge Road, Valley Forge, PA, 19520
Contact Information: ldupes@envstd.com; 610-935-5577
ABSTRACT
The field collection of solid samples for the analysis of volatile organics by Method 5035/5035A has been inconsistently applied to environmental work since the initial release of the SW-846 Methods in 1996 and 2002, respectively. Sample collection in various types of glass jars was also removed at the same time. The sample collection methods specified in in 5035/5035A are appropriately generic and do not address soil sampling in extreme field conditions in an Arctic environment. Sample collection at subzero temperatures allow sampling equipment and personnel to move quickly over the surface, thereby reducing deleterious impact to tundra environments.
Although the data quality objective is to collect samples for volatile organics in a manner that reduces the amount of time the sample is exposed to the environment to limit the loss of volatile contaminants of potential concern (COPC), the techniques and collection of volatile organics from frozen soil cores containing tundra mat and ice lenses require special considerations which obviously are not addressed in the published method. This paper will present observations and considerations associated with winter sampling efforts conducted in subzero field conditions, deviations from methodology requirements with regard to sample collection dates and times, sample handling, subsampling, and storage and shipment requirements as well as proposed solutions and method modifications.