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6 SAMPLE ANALYSIS TOOLS for VOCs, SVOCS, and PESTICIDES

6.2 EX-SITU ANALYSIS

6.2.27 Chemical Colorimetric Kits

Use: Chemical colorimetric kits are self-contained portable kits for analyzing soil or water samples for the presence of a variety of inorganic and organic compounds. These tests require no instrumentation and can be performed in the field with little or no training. Should only be used as an indication or screening device.

See 7.1.4 for use with metals and 9.1.7 for explosives.

Description:

Colorimetry involves mixing of reagents of known concentrations with a test solution in specified amounts that result in chemical reactions in which the absorption of radiant energy (color of the solution) is a function of the concentration of the analyte of interest. At the simplest level, concentrations can be estimated with visual comparators.

Analytes:

2. Non-Halogenated SVOCs
4. Halogenated SVOCs
5. PAHs
11. TPHs

Media:

Soil/Sediment Water Gas/Air
ADEQUATE BETTER Not Applicable
Selectivity: Technique measures the specific contaminant indirectly.
Susceptibility to Interference: Medium.
Detection Limits : 10-100 ppm (soil); 0.5-10 ppm (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: Least expensive.

Limitations:

EPA Methods:

Series 400 Multiple Methods for Analysis of Organics (drinking water).
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