Sampling Error Associated with Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples at Explsives-Contaminated Sites

摘要

This study assessed short-range spatial heterogeneity of explosives concentrations in surface soils. Samples collected 61 cm apart were analyzed individually and as composites by both colorimetric onsite methods and standard laboratory protecols. Ten locations were sampled at four installations and the results were used to estimate the relative contributions of analytical and sampling error. The major contaminant at seven of the ten sampling locations was TNT while 2,4-DNT, HMX, and ammonium picrate (AP) were each the major contaminant at one of the other three. Results from colorimetric onsite analysis were in excellent agreement with laboratory results, particularly for TNT and HMX.