Validation of Sampling Protocol and the Promulgation of Method Modifications for the Characterization of Energetic Residues on Military Testing and Training Ranges

摘要

The Military maintains sustainability and environmental stewardship responsibilities for training ranges. One of the environmental challenges is to monitor the surface loading of energetic residues. Method 8330B, which was developed to assist in this task, recommends the use of a MULTI INCREMENT(registered trademark) sampling strategy and total sample processing prior to subsampling and analysis. This demonstration/validation project evaluated scientifically defensible sampling and sample-processing protocols used for the characterization of energetic residues on military training ranges. This project also specifically assessed the scientific uncertainty involved with the now-common practice of splitting a sample in the field and subsampling it prior to processing the entire laboratory sample. To address the cost aspect, this study then evaluated the cost benefits of coupling MULTI INCREMENT sampling methodology with recently developed sample handling and processing protocols designed to address the unique attributes of energetic residues. Consequently, the authors recommend that MULTI INCREMENT sampling and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method 8330B be used for future characterization activities on military training ranges.