Tri-Service Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System Validation of the Membrane Interface Probe

摘要

Site characterization for subsurface contaminants is time consuming and costly. The Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer - Membrane Interface Probe (ITMS-MIP) system was developed to respond to the need for real-time, in situ measurements of subsurface volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination at hazardous waste sites. The ITMS-MIP system performs rapid field screening to determine the presence or absence of subsurface volatile organic contaminants. The Membrane Interface Probe developed by Geoprobe Systems, Inc., was coupled with the direct sampling ITMS to provide in situ measurement of VOCs in the subsurface. The ITMS-MIP system was demonstrated at five geographically different hazardous waste sites. The ITMS-MIP was found to perform best in saturated soils. Results from the saturated zone show a good correlation with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency validation methods for co-located samples with a linear regression coefficient of 0.95 and a slope of 1.42 for trichloroethene. Correlations for vadose zone samples showed differences in soil types and moisture content. The ITMS-MIP was successfully demonstrated as a qualitative screening tool at these sites. The SCAPS ITMSS-MIP system was demonstrated to reduce the time and cost required to characterize sites by directing the placement of a reduced number of conventional soil bores and monitoring wells.