The cost effectiveness of field methods for determining volatile organic compounds

Abstract

This paper examines the cost and performance characteristics of six different field analytical instruments capable of accurately identifying and quantifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the parts-perbillion level. Five-year life-cycle costs for the six field instruments including purchase, modification, and operational costs, were compared to the costs of using a stationary commercial analytical laboratory to obtain identical VOC data. The present-value life-cycle cost of a single soil or water VOC analysis was calculated for the six field alternatives and for the commercial laboratory at both a fixed annual sample analysis rate and at maximum capacity. The total cost of a single field analysis event was found to be approximately 18% of the total cost of sending that sample to a commercial laboratory. Cost differences between alternatives were correlated to variations in performance capabilities. 2269

Dynamic workplans and field analytics: Metals assessment by inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectroscopy

“…In summary, the on-and off-site laboratory results are in remarkable agreement considering the vast differences in acid digestion processes, the wide range of metals measured, and differences in sensitivity between ICP/OES and GFAA for As, T1, Pb, and Se. The HAFB field versus off-site percent recovery results are shown in Exhibit 8 for Pb and Cd. All data were within the DQO except for sample 2, which had an on-site Pb concentration of 46 mg/kg.…”

“…8,9,10 This article describes complementary research aimed at analyzing metals in the context of a dynamic workplan-adaptive sampling and analysis strategy.…”

“…'These technologies have been used to support dynamic workplan-adaptive sampling and analysis-processes that have led to -time and project cost savings of at least 50 p e r~e n t .~,~*~O t h e r s have achieved the same benefits when producing data in the field. 8,9,10 This article describes complementary research aimed at analyzing metals in the context of a dynamic workplan-adaptive sampling and analysis strategy.…”

Two decision analysis approaches: Choosing a chemical analysis method

“…Of course, this adds to the length of time each analysis takes. Each sample analysis performed by the instrument is estimated to cost about $50 (Henriksen and Grant, 1995). This amount includes all annual operating costs plus the annual cost of capital (detailed explanation later).…”

“…The number 3,000 represents a reasonable estimate of the number of samples necessary to characterize and remediate Alpha site, a process estimated to take one year. Details of this cost estimate procedure are available (Henriksen and Grant, 1995).…”