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Guidance on the Use of Passive-Vapor-Diffusion Samplers to Detect Volatile Organic Compounds in Ground-Water-Discharge Areas, and Example Applications in New EnglandU.S. Geological SurveyWater-Resources Investigations Report 02-4186 |
The full report is available in pdf. Links to the pdf ).
Polyethylene-membrane passive-vapor-diffusion samplers, or PVD samplers, have been shown to be an effective and economical reconnaissance tool for detecting and identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in bottom sediments of surface-water bodies in areas of ground-water discharge. The PVD samplers consist of an empty glass vial enclosed in two layers of polyethylene membrane tubing. When samplers are placed in contaminated sediments, the air in the vial equilibrates with VOCs in pore water. Analysis of the vapor indicates the presence or absence of VOCs and the likely magnitude of concentrations in pore water.
Examples of applications at nine hazardous-waste sites in New England demonstrate the utility of PVD samplers in a variety of hydrologic settings, including rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands, and coastal shorelines. Results of PVD sampling at these sites have confirmed the presence and refined the extent of VOC-contaminated ground-water-discharge areas where contaminated ground water is known, and identified areas of VOC-contaminated ground-water discharge where ground-water contamination was previously unknown. The principal VOCs detected were chlorinated and petroleum hydrocarbons. Vapor concentrations in samplers range from not detected to more than 1,000,000 parts per billion by volume. These results provided insights about contaminant distributions and ground-water-flow patterns in discharge areas, and have guided the design of focused characterization activities.
Abstract
Introduction
Advantages and Limitations of Passive-Vapor-Diffusion Samplers
Advantages
Limitations
PART 1. Guidance on the Use of Passive-Vapor-Diffusion Samplers
By Don A. Vroblesky
Assembly of Samplers
Deployment of Samplers
Recovery of Samplers
Factors Affecting Deployment of Samplers and Data Interpretation
Quality Control and Assurance
PART 2. Example Applications in New England
Eastern Surplus Company Superfund Site, Meddybemps, Maine
By Forest P. Lyford and Edward M. Hathaway
Description of Study Area
Purpose and Design of Sampling
Results
McKin Company Superfund Site, Gray, Maine
By Forest P. Lyford, Terrence R. Connelly, and Laura E. Flight
Description of Study Area
Purpose and Design of Sampling
Results
Nutmeg Valley Road Superfund Site, Wolcott and Waterbury, Connecticut
By John R. Mullaney, Peter E. Church,
and
Carolyn J. Pina-Springer
Description of Study Area
Purpose and Design of Sampling
Results
Baird & McGuire Superfund Site, Holbrook, Massachusetts
By Jennifer G. Savoie and Melissa G. Taylor
Description of Study Area
Purpose and Design of Sampling
Results
Allen Harbor Landfill, Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center Superfund Site, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
By Forest P. Lyford, William C. Brandon,
and
Christine A. P. Williams
Description of Study Area
Purpose and Design of Sampling
Results
Calf Pasture Point, Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center Superfund Site, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
By Forest P. Lyford, Christine A. P.
Williams, and
William C. Brandon
Description of Study Area
Purpose and Design of Sampling
Results
Otis Air National Guard/Camp Edwards Superfund Site, Johns Pond, Falmouth, Massachusetts
By Jennifer G. Savoie and Denis R. LeBlanc
Description of Study Area
Purpose and Design of Sampling
Results
Nyanza Chemical Waste Dump Superfund Site, Ashland, Massachusetts
By Forest P. Lyford, Richard E. Willey, and Sharon M. Hayes
Description of Study Area
Purpose and Design of Sampling
Results
Centredale Manor Restoration Project Superfund Site, North Providence, Rhode Island
By Peter E. Church, Forest P. Lyford,
and
Anna F. Krasko
Description of Study Area
Purpose and Design of Sampling
Results
Quality-Assurance Procedures
Summary and Conclusions
References Cited
Appendix 1. Laboratory and Field Testing of Passive-Vapor-Diffusion
Sampler Equilibration Times, Temperature Effects, and
Sample Stability
By Don A. Vroblesky
Equilibration Times and Temperature Effects
Sample Stability
Appendix 2. Field Screening of Volatile Organic Compounds Collected
with Passive-Vapor-Diffusion Samplers with a Gas
Chromatograph
By Scott Clifford
For additional information write to:
Chief, Massachusetts-Rhode Island District
U.S. Geological Survey
10 Bearfoot Road
Northborough, MA 01532
Copies of this report can be purchased from:
U.S. Geological Survey
Branch of Information Services
Box 25286, Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225
1-888-ASK-USGS
Information about U.S. Geological Survey program in Massachusetts is available on the Internet at:
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The full report is 9.2MB
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