Static headspace analysis of volatile organic compounds in soil and vegetation samples for site characterization

Phase I Investigation at Bladen, Nebraska (Final Work Plan)

“…For example, the vapor pressure of carbon tetrachloride decreases by four orders of magnitude when the temperature changes from 15.8°C to -79.4°C (CRC 1999(CRC -2000. In previous work evaluating the recoveries of soil samples collected and stored on dry ice, we demonstrated that storage with dry ice is a better option than traditional procedures (Alvarado and Rose 2004).…”

“…The initial shallow soil sampling is designed to screen for residual fumigant-related contaminants in shallow soils as an indicator of possible historical surface release of fumigant, as well as potential contamination of underlying deeper soil and potential pathways for contaminant migration from shallow soil to groundwater. Previous Argonne work (Alvarado and Rose 2004) demonstrated that the analysis of shallow soils for carbon tetrachloride and its daughter products (chloroform and methylene chloride) by a headspace method can serve as a screening tool to identify possible soil contamination in underlying deeper soils and groundwater. The headspace data are not used quantitatively but are examined for contaminant distribution patterns, in order to prioritize areas for follow-up sampling and analysis of deeper soils and underlying groundwater.…”

October 2008 monitoring results for Morrill, Kansas.

“…Tree sampling conducted on July 24, 2008, included an expansion of the baseline sampling locations (points 001-024 in Figure 2.2). The tissue samples were collected in appropriate laboratory containers, labeled, preserved on dry ice, and shipped to the AGEM a modification of EPA Method 5021 (http://www.epa.gov/epahome/index/; Alvarado and Rose 2004).…”

Final work plan : Phase I investigation of potential contamination at the former CCC/USDA grain storage facility in Savannah, Missouri.

“…Previous Argonne investigations (Alvarado and Rose 2004) demonstrated that the analysis of surficial and shallow subsurface (vadose zone) soils for carbon tetrachloride by a headspace method can serve as a sensitive indicator of possible soil contamination in the deeper vadose zone. In this application, the headspace data are not used quantitatively but are examined for distribution patterns in order to prioritize areas for additional, follow-up sampling and analysis of deeper subsurface soils.…”