Guidance on the Use of Passive-vapor-diffusion Samplers to Detect Volatile Organic Compounds in Ground-water-discharge Areas, and Example Applications in New England


Book Description

... Discusses the use of passive-vapor-diffusion samplers (PVD samplers) as an effective way to measure volatile organic compounds; discusses the process, advantages and disadvantages of using PVD samplers, manufacture and deployment, and gives examples of applications in New England, including the Nyanza, Baird & McGuire, and Otis Air National Guard/Camp Edwards Superfund sites; this report is available on the internet at: water.usgs.gov/pubs/wri/wri024186 ...







Implementation of Passive Samplers for Monitoring Volatile Organic Compounds in Ground Water at the Kansas City Plant


Book Description

Passive sampling for monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been suggested as a possible replacement to the traditional bailer method used at the Department of Energy Kansas City Plant (KCP) for routine groundwater monitoring. To compare methods, groundwater samples were collected from 19 KCP wells with VOC concentrations ranging from non-detectable to> 100,000 [mu]g/L. Analysis of the data was conducted using means and medians of multiple measurements of TCE, 1,2-DCE, 1,1-DCE and VC. All 95% confidence intervals of these VOCs overlap, providing evidence that the two methods are similar. The study also suggests that elimination of purging and decontamination of sampling equipment reduces the labor required to sample by approximately 32%. Also, because the passive method generates no waste water, there are no associated disposal costs. The results suggest evidence to continue studies and efforts to replace traditional bailer methods with passive sampling at KCP based on cost and the similarity of the methods.










Practical Handbook of Environmental Site Characterization and Ground-Water Monitoring, Second Edition


Book Description

Published in 1991, the first edition of The Practical Handbook of Ground-Water Monitoring quickly became the gold standard reference on the topic of ground-water monitoring. But, as in all rapidly evolving fields, regulations change, technology advances, methods improve, and research reveals flaws in prior thinking. As a consequence, books that document the state of the science, even widely acknowledged definitive works, become outdated and need to be rewritten periodically to stay current. Reflecting this and renamed to highlight its wider scope, The Practical Handbook of Environmental Site Characterization and Ground-Water Monitoring, Second Edition provides an updated look at the field. Completely revised, the book contains so much new information that it has doubled in size. Containing the most up-to-date information available, this second edition emphasizes the practical application of current technology. It covers environmental site characterization and ground-water monitoring in great detail, from the federal regulations that govern environmental investigations, to the various direct and indirect methods of investigating and monitoring the subsurface, to the analysis and interpretation of complex sets of environmental data. Cheaper, better, faster was the mantra of the 1990s, resulting in more streamlined approaches to both environmental site characterization and ground-water monitoring, but also pitting the application of good science against the mandate to get a project done as quickly and inexpensively as possible. This book provides unbiased, technical discussions of the tremendously powerful tools developed in the last decade, helping environmental professionals strike a balance between good science and economics.