Site Characterization And Analysis Penetrometer System Research Articles

Triad case study: Marine corps base camp pendleton

The U.S. Navy Public Works Center (PWC) Environmental Department San Diego, California is home to the Navy west coast Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS). SCAPS has been extensively used at several Navy sites since 1995 to provide real-time, highdensity data sets. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Triad approach provided an ideal framework for optimizing the use of the Navy SCAPS during a volatile organic compound (VOC) source investigation at Installation Restoration Site 1114 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. All three elements of Triad, systematic planning, dynamic work strategy, and use of real time measurement tools, were implemented to manage decision uncertainty and expedite the site management process. The investigation was conducted using the Navy SCAPS outfitted with a cone penetrometer), membrane interface probe and a direct sampling ion trap mass spectrometry detector which allowed for real- time collection of over 690 feet of continuous lithologic information and VOC concentration data. These data were used collaboratively with 24-hour turnaround EPA 8260B VOC groundwater results from temporary direct-push wells to support the conclusion of a limited source area. Implementation of the Triad approach for this investigation provided an expedited high-density data set and a refined Conceptual Site Model (CSM) in real time that resulted in cost savings estimated at $2.5 M and reduction of the site characterization and cleanup schedule by approximately 3 years. This project demonstrates how EPA’s Triad approach can be applied to streamline the site characterization and cleanup process while appropriately managing decision uncertainty in support of defensible site decisions.

Triad case study: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

AbstractThe U.S. Navy Public Works Center (PWC) Environmental Department, San Diego, California, is home to the Navy West Coast Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS). SCAPS has been extensively used at several Navy sites since 1995 to provide real‐time, high‐density data sets. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Triad approach provided an ideal framework for optimizing the use of the Navy SCAPS during a volatile organic compound (VOC) source investigation at Installation Restoration Site 1114 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. All three elements of Triad—systematic planning, dynamic work strategy, and use of real‐time measurement tools—were implemented to manage decision uncertainty and expedite the site management process. The investigation was conducted using the Navy SCAPS, outfitted with a cone penetrometer, membrane interface probe, and a direct sampling ion trap mass spectrometry detector, which allowed for real‐ time collection of over 690 feet of continuous lithologic information and VOC concentration data. These data were used collaboratively with 24‐hour turnaround US EPA 8260B VOC groundwater results from temporary direct‐ push wells to support the conclusion of a limited source area. Implementation of the Triad approach for this investigation provided an expedited high‐density data set and a refined conceptual site model (CSM) in real time that resulted in cost savings estimated at $2.5M and reduction of the site characterization and cleanup schedule by approximately three years. This project demonstrates how the US EPA's Triad approach can be applied to streamline the site characterization and cleanup process while appropriately managing decision uncertainty in support of defensible site decisions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rapid detection of volatile organic compounds in the subsurface by membrane introduction into a direct sampling ion-trap mass spectrometer

The Triservice Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) was developed to reduce the time and cost required for site characterization. Direct-push sensors were developed to detect specific classes of contaminants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, explosive compounds, radionuclides, metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This article describes the demonstration of a direct-push sensor that can quantify VOC contamination in the subsurface in real time. This system consists of a membrane interface probe (MIP) manufactured by Geoprobe Systems coupled to a direct sampling ion-trap mass spectrometer (ITMS). The ITMS-MIP system was shown to rapidly collect and analyze samples from the subsurface, regardless of matrix. Two of the five demonstrations discussed resulted in a strong linear correlation (r2 = 0.9) with validation samples analyzed using EPA Method 8260. The other three demonstrations revealed that the calibration method used in this work introduced a bias compared to EPA methods.* © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 4: 246–254, 2000

A cone penetrometer X-ray fluorescence tool for the analysis of subsurface heavy metal contamination

Past use of X-ray fluorescence for the analysis of heavy metal contamination in soil was limited to analyzing either collected samples or soil on an exposed surface. To investigate subsurface contamination at even shallow depths, extensive and often expensive drilling or excavation was required to obtain either a sample or an exposed surface. A cone penetrometer X-ray fluorescence tool has been developed by the US Army, Navy and Air Force Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) to analyze subsurface metal contamination in situ. Using this tool, subsurface metal contamination can be investigated in real time without sampling or excavation. A schematic diagram of the penetrometer tool is provided and operating capabilities are discussed. The results of bench testing and a calibration for lead contaminated standards are presented.

Rapid detection of volatile organic compounds in groundwater byin situ purge and direct-sampling ion-trap mass spectrometry

Site characterization for subsurface contaminants is time-consuming and costly. The Tri-Service Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) has been developed to reduce the time and cost required for site characterization. Probes are designed to detect specific classes of contaminants such as petroleum products, explosive compounds, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and others. This article describes the Hydrosparge VOC sensor, an in situ VOC detection system that is capable of rapid subsurface site characterization of VOC contaminant distribution. The system consists of a direct push well for groundwater access, an in situ sparge module, and a direct-sampling ion-trap mass spectrometer. The results obtained with the SCAPS in situ technique indicate a strong linear relationship with EPA methods (r2 = 0.84). SCAPS Hydrosparge VOC sensor has been demonstrated to reduce the time and cost required to characterize sites by directing the placement of a reduced number of conventional monitoring wells. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 2: 89–96, 1998

In situ thermal desorption of VOCs in vadose zone soils

A volatile organic compound (VOC) sampler developed for the site characterization and analysis penetrometer system (SCAPS) program to provide semi-quantitative field screening data was evaluated in the laboratory and in the field. The device is based on thermal desorption principles and is capable of sampling in the vadose and capillary zones. Approximately 5 g of soil is desorbed in situ, and the volatilized compounds transferred to the surface, where they are trapped and analyzed by ion trap mass spectroscopy (ITMS). Ex situ validation samples from a Mostap™ core taken 9 in. away from the in situ sample are of two types. One sample is placed in the sampler and desorbed and analyzed in the same manner as the in situ sample. The second validation sample is preserved in methanol and analyzed off site by GC/MS. Comparisons of in situ data to ex situ validation data show that subsurface heterogeneity strongly affects correlation, especially in zones of bedded sand and silt. When the two ex situ samples from the Mostap™ core are compared, the subsurface heterogeneity factor is removed and the co-efficient of determination (r2) increases to 85%. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 2:163–171, 1998

In situ thermal desorption of VOCs in vadose zone soils

A volatile organic compound (VOC) sampler developed for the site characterization and analysis penetrometer system (SCAPS) program to provide semi-quantitative field screening data was evaluated in the laboratory and in the field. The device is based on thermal desorption principles and is capable of sampling in the vadose and capillary zones. Approximately 5 g of soil is desorbed in situ, and the volatilized compounds transferred to the surface, where they are trapped and analyzed by ion trap mass spectroscopy (ITMS). Ex situ validation samples from a Mostap™ core taken 9 in. away from the in situ sample are of two types. One sample is placed in the sampler and desorbed and analyzed in the same manner as the in situ sample. The second validation sample is preserved in methanol and analyzed off site by GC/MS. Comparisons of in situ data to ex situ validation data show that subsurface heterogeneity strongly affects correlation, especially in zones of bedded sand and silt. When the two ex situ samples from the Mostap™ core are compared, the subsurface heterogeneity factor is removed and the co-efficient of determination (r2) increases to 85%. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 2:163–171, 1998

Field use of a cone penetrometer gamma probe for radioactive-waste detection.

A novel probe for the detection and identification of radionuclides in subsurface soil was developed for on-site characterization of the soil subsurface with the use of the Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS).1 The device uses a NaI scintillation crystal to detect gamma radiation directly in soil. The emitted gamma rays from radioactive waste that may be present in soil are collected and analyzed to diagnose their identity and relative concentration. The design has been optimized and has been used successfully to investigate Cs137 contamination at the Department of Energy Savannah River Site, SC. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Anal Chem Technol 2: 111–115, 1998

Subsurface heavy-metal detection with the use of a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) penetrometer system

U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES) investigators have designed, fabricated, and demonstrated a cone penetrometer sensor for sub-surface in situ field screening based on LIBS. The LIBS probe (patent pending) presented here is one of a suite of contaminant and geophysical probes developed by the WES Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) program. The LIBS probe includes a laser as part of the optical LIBS sensor section for metals analysis and a cone and sleeve soil classification module at its tip. Soil classification data are acquired during the push, while LIBS data are recorded during probe retraction, after shedding a sacrificial sleeve. Optical design concerns are discussed including the recessed window geometry to avoid output window damage and associated problems. Calibration, peak identification and peak confidence software are discussed. Although producing lower signal strength, the nonimaging optical receiver utilized is based on a simple design. Its performance is less dependent on soil conditions and produces a more consistent optical signal when compared to an imaging optical receiver design. Field results from four sites are discussed. Some spectral samples from a site indicate contaminant material that is not mixed with soil, as evidenced by spectra with a total lack of characteristic iron peaks in the background. Soil grain size and soil moisture are discussed in the context of empirical calibration and their effect on LIBS measurements.

Rapid delineation of subsurface petroleum contamination using the site characterization and analysis penetrometer system

The Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) was used to investigate subsurface petroleum contamination at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The SCAPS is a rapid site-screening tool developed by the Tri-Services (U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force) to reduce the cost of installation restoration activities. The system, consisting of a geophysical cone penetrometer fitted with a laser-induced fluorescence petroleum sensor, is capable of simultaneous, real-time delineation of subsurface stratigraphy and petroleum contamination. Onsite processing of the SCAPS data allows three-dimensional visualization of both subsurface stratigraphy and petroleum contaminant distribution. The site investigation described herein successfully identified three distinct areas of subsurface petroleum contamination caused by leaking underground storage tanks containing No. 2 healing oil. The SCAPS petroleum sensor response was verified by obtaining 20 soil samples and performing onsite and conventional laboratory analyses for petroleum contaminants. Verification sample results indicate a strong correlation between the SCAPS fluorescence data and conventional measures of petroleum contamination. This investigation illustrates the capabilities of the SCAPS for rapid site characterization.