Historically, field analysis of environmental samples has yielded numbers that, in many cases, were not regarded as being truly quantitative analytical data but were considered to be more qualitative in nature – a “yes/no” indicator of whether or not a chemical constituent was present. Over the past decade, there have been tremendous advances in the types and level of accuracy of field analytical tools available for the field chemist and non-chemist alike. In many cases, these new tools can provide quantitative data that can be used to accurately characterize the presence, absence and levels of specific contaminants in the subsurface. This module describes how to design an effective field analytical program from the non-chemist’s perspective and provides guidance on how to ensure that data generated are both accurate and defensible. In-depth discussions are provided to address how to select the best parameters, analytical instruments and methods to meet the objectives of a field analytical program. This module also provides an overview of analytical instruments and methods available for volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile contaminants commonly of interest in environmental site investigation and characterization programs.

Module ES–15 (Total Length: 78 minutes) Price: $159.00 Register via Your E-School Account

Field Sample Analysis Options for Soil Samples

• Problems with Historical Approaches to Field Sample Screening
• The Role of U.S. EPA’s Triad Program and ITRC in Getting New Technologies Into the Field
• How to Ensure That Field Analytical Data Will be Accepted by Regulatory Agencies
• Field and Administrative Factors to Consider When Developing a Field Sample Analysis Program
• Common Objectives of Field Sample Analysis
• Selection Criteria for Choosing Field Analytical Instruments and Methods for the Non-Chemist
• Overview of Field Analytical Instruments and Methods for Volatile Compounds, Including Headspace Screening of Soil Samples
• Soil Sample Extraction and Field Analytical Methods for Semi-Volatile Compounds
• Direct Sample Analysis Methods for Non-Volatile Compounds Such as Metals

Total CEUs for Module ES-15: 1.3 CEUs