Collection of soil samples for VOC analysis is a critical component
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| Students collect in-situ EnCore samples during this field session and prepare them for shipment to the laboratory for extraction and analysis. |
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| Students use field analytical balances to weigh soil samples prior to introducing them to tared vials containing methanol. |
of environmental investigations at many sites, ranging from service stations to Superfund sites. Traditional soil sample collection and handling methods are subject to significant sources of negative bias that commonly result in gross underestimation of actual sample concentrations for a wide range of analytes. Given the magnitude of the decisions that are made based on these data, the technical and economic impacts of using these sampling methods can be enormous.
This one-day course focuses on developing an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of soil samples, how samples should be collected and handled to preserve these properties, and how traditional sampling methods can result in significant sources of error in field and lab analyses. In addition, course instructors discuss how and where to collect soil samples to meet project objectives; how to determine how many samples should be collected; ASTM standards on soil sample collection and handling; and how to implement US EPA's Method 5035 for soil sample collection and analysis for VOCs.
Students will be able to immediately apply information provided in this course to field projects where VOCs are of concern and, in doing so, should significantly improve the quality of data generated during soil investigations so sound decisions can be made in a cost-effective manner.
