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6 SAMPLE ANALYSIS TOOLS for VOCs, SVOCS, and PESTICIDES

6.2 EX-SITU ANALYSIS

6.2.15 Infrared Spectroscopy


Use: Identification of organic and organometallic molecules.

Description:

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is the measurement of the wavelength and intensity of the absorption of mid-infrared light by a sample. Mid-infrared light, wavelength of 2.5 - 50 µm (1µm = 1x10-6 m), is energetic enough to excite molecular vibrations to higher energy levels. The wavelengths of IR absorption bands are characteristic of specific types of chemical bonds, and different inorganic or organic functional groups have distinctive absorption spectra that help identify mineral or chemical phases in a sample.

Analytes:

1. Non-Halogenated VOCs
2. Non-Halogenated SVOCs
3. Halogenated VOCs
4. Halogenated SVOCs

Media:

Soil/Sediment Water Gas/Air
Requires extraction to a liquid or gas phase Requires extraction to a liquid or gas phase BETTER
Selectivity: Technique measures the contaminant indirectly.
Susceptibility to Interference: High.
Detection Limits : 10-100 ppm (soil); 0.5-10ppm (water).
Turnaround Time per Sample: Minutes.
Applicable To:
Screen/Identify Characterize Concentration/Extent Cleanup Performance Long-Term Monitoring
BETTER ADEQUATE BETTER BETTER
Quantitative Data Capability: Data become quantitative with additional effort.
Technology Status: Commercially available technology with moderate field experience.
Certification/Verification: Technology has not participated in CalEPA certification and/or CSCT verification program.
Relative Cost per Analysis: Mid-range expense.

Limitations:

EPA Methods:

8440 Total Recoverable Petroleum Hydrocarbons by IR Spectrophotometry.

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