Volatile Organic Compounds Contamination Research Articles

Locating VOC Contamination in a Fractured‐Rock Aquifer at the Ground‐Water/Surface‐Water Interface Using Passive Vapor Collectors

AbstractChlorinated organic solvents introduced to unlined lagoons at an industrial waste‐water treatment plant in the Inner Piedmont of South Carolina resulted in ground‐water contamination of a fractured‐rock aquifer. Part of the ground‐water contamination discharges to Little Rocky Creek, downgradient from the waste‐water treatment plant. Passive vapor collectors were buried in the bottom sediment of the creek to locate areas where ground water contaminated with volatile organic compounds was discharging to the creek. High concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in passive vapor collectors in an area where VOCs were known to be discharging from ground water to surface water. This area was also a site where very low frequency electromagnetic anomalies (interpreted as fracture zones) intersected the creek or converged near the creek. The data show that passive vapor collectors in bottom sediment of Little Rocky Creek provided information on the location of fractures that were discharging contaminated ground water to surface water.

Treatment of Vacutainers for Use in the Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Human Blood at the Low Parts-Per-Tri11ion Level

Vacutainers that are routinely used for blood collection contain significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs interfere with the low parts-per-trillion analysis of VOCs in whole blood either by causing false positives or by masking the presence of VOCs because of high background levels. Benzene, bromoform, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, o-xylene, styrene, and various hydrocarbons are the most significant sources of VOC contamination present in the vacutainers. A method of removing VOCs from 10-mL gray-top vacutainers is presented. This method uses a combination of heat and vacuum to reduce the VOCs to levels compatible with low parts-per-trillion analysis of VOCs in whole blood.

Using an integrated approach for quantifying VOC source areas for site remediation

Locating and quantifying free-phase volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the subsurface represent one of the more difficult challenges facing hazardous waste site remediation programs. Successful remediation programs require reliable data on the size and extent of potential VOC contamination sources. Improving subsurface quantification of VOCs requires a large number of reliable low-cost samples. Satisfying this objective relies on improved sampling techniques, field analysis of samples, and a modified quality assurance program. This paper describes an integrated approach using conventional split-spoon samplers, microcore sampling, hexane extractions, and a field gas chromatograph with an autosampler as part of a technical demonstration for innovative remediation technologies. Using this approach, it was possible to delineate a subsurface source of free-phase VOCs at a cost of $15 per sample. The distribution of dense nonaqueous phase liquid determined by this sampling approach agreed with the conceptual model for the site.

Screening method for locating groundwater monitoring wells

AbstractThe traditional approach to characterizing the extent of groundwater contamination is often phased over a period of several years. A screening method has been developed that allows the investigation process to be reduced to a single phase. Existing data are used to develop a preliminary estimate of the extent of contamination, which is refined by the screening method using groundwater data collected and analyzed in the field. The screening method is applicable at sites with volatile organic compound contamination. Groundwater samples are collected using direct push or drill rig assisted methods, and the groundwater headspace gas is analyzed for the contaminant of interest. The refined estimate is used to locate all of the groundwater monitoring wells necessary to finalize the estimate of the extent of contamination. Therefore, only one investigation phase is required, and time and cost savings are realized with respect to the traditional multiphase approach. The screening method was successfully applied at a CERCLA site in Nebraska with two distinct plumes of TCE‐contaminated groundwater. The Nebraska remedial investigation was completed approximately 18 months earlier than the estimated completion of a comparable phased investigation, with a corresponding cost reduction estimated at approximately 10 percent. If data from the screening method were used instead of data from monitoring wells, the estimated cost savings would be over 50 percent. Additional applications and evaluations may lead to industry and regulatory acceptance of the method as a primary characterization tool.

A Bioenhancement Process for Rapid Remediation of Multiphase Subsurface Contamination: ABSTRACT

The presence of petroleum hydrocarbons, distillates, and chlorinated solvents in subsurface environments frequently occurs from inadvertent discharges or unlawful release, and can pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. Due to strict environmental regulations, many industries are faced with significant financial and, potentially, criminal penalties associated with releases of these chemicals. In recent years, responsible industries have intensified efforts to remediate subsurface contamination. However, the excessive cost and lack of timely success of traditional remedial options have diminished many industries' willingness to proactively engage in necessary cleanup efforts because the expense of doing so may be prohibitive to the sustained economic health of the industry. A new technology that addresses each aspect of subsurface contamination by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been developed to minimize the duration and cost of remedial efforts. The Subsurface Voltilization and Ventilation System[sup [trademark]] (SVVS) promotes in-situ destruction of contamination by biodegradation, air circulation to enhance volatization, and vapor capture to reduce VOC mass present in the subsurface as bulk product, aqueous phase and sorbed contamination, and vapors. Because all phases of VOC contamination are addressed simultaneously the remediation process is greatly accelerated. In addition, because SVVS is simplistic in design andmore » construction, remediation costs are typically well below those associated with more traditional treatment options.« less

Survey of Bottled Drinking Water Sold in Canada. Part 2. Selected Volatile Organic Compounds

Selected volatile organic compound (VOC) contaminants were determined in 182 samples of retail bottled waters purchased in Canada. Samples included spring water (86) packaged in containers of polyethylene or in smaller containers of transparent plastic or glass, mineral water (61) packaged only in transparent plastic or glass, and miscellaneous bottled waters (35). Analyses were performed by 3 laboratories, each using headspace sampling and capillary gas chromatography with either mass spectrometric (1 laboratory) or flame ionization detection with mass spectrometric confirmation, if required (2 laboratories). Benzene, the contaminant of primary interest, was detected in only 1 of the 182 samples at 2 micrograms/kg. Other VOC contaminants detected (number of positive samples, average, and range of positives in micrograms/kg) included toluene (20, 6.92, 0.5-63), cyclohexane (23, 39.2, 3-108), chloroform (12, 25.8, 3.7-70), and dichloromethane (4, 59, 22-97). Cyclohexane was found in the plastic and as a migrant from the plastic in 20 samples of spring water, but it was found in only 1 of 61 mineral water samples analyzed at only 3 micrograms/kg. Chloroform was found almost exclusively in samples that could have been obtained from public water supplies. It was not found in mineral water samples, but it was found in 1 spring water sample at 3.76 micrograms/kg. The source of the toluene contamination was not known. Other VOCs detected include ethanol and limonene, associated with added flavoring; pentane, as a migrant from a foamed polystyrene cap liner; and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethylene in a sample of demineralized water.

Ground Water Remediation Using an Extraction, Treatment, and Recharge System

AbstractGround water remediation of volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination at a site in Michigan was initiated as a result of a consent agreement between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and the responsible party. Under the direction of the MDNR, the responsible party conducted a remedial investigation/feasibility study using federal guidelines to define the extent of contamination at the site and to select a response action for site remediation. The selected alternative included a combination of ground water extraction, treatment, and recharge, and soil flushing. The extraction system withdraws ground water from various depths in heavily contaminated areas. The ground water is treated using an air stripper. A spray distribution system spreads effluent from the stripper over a recharge basin constructed over the most contaminated areas. Additional contaminant removal is achieved by volatilization from the spray and percolation through the gravel bed. Recharge water moves downward through the contaminated soils, thus flushing residual soil contaminants. The initial operating data demonstrated that the system can effectively remove trichloroethylene (TCE) from ground water (approximately 95 percent overall removal efficiency). The annualized capital and operation and maintenance (O & M) costs of the remedial action were estimated for several operating periods (15, 20, and 30 years).

Building related illness involving formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds

A large percentage of the occupants in a 96,000 ft2 office building were suffering multiple adverse health symptoms continuing and/or reoccurring for over 4 years. The symptoms were believed to be the result of building related illness. Detailed indoor air quality and product emission studies realed the presence of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds contamination primarily resulting from furniture constructed of pressed wood products (formaldehyde source) and a chemical deodorizer (volatile organic compound source).

Screened Auger Sampling: The Technique and Two Case Studies

AbstractThe screened auger is a laser‐slotted, hollow‐stem auger through which a representative sample of ground water is pumped from an aquifer and tested for water‐quality parameters by appropriate field‐screening methods. Screened auger sampling can be applied to ground water quality remedial investigations, providing:(1) a mechanism for determining a monitoring well's optimal screen placement in a contaminant plume; and (2) data to define the three‐dimensional configuration of the contaminant plume.Screened auger sampling has provided an efficient method for investigating hexavalent chromium and volatile organic compound contamination in two sandy aquifers in Cadillac, Michigan. The aquifers approach 200 feet in thickness and more than 1 square mile in area. A series of screened auger borings and monitoring wells was installed, and ground water was collected at 10‐foot intervals as the boreholes were advanced to define the horizontal and vertical distribution of the contaminant plumes. The ability of the screened auger to obtain representative ground water samples was supported by the statistical comparison of field screening results and subsequent laboratory analysis of ground water from installed monitoring wells.

The Groundwater Supply Survey

The results of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Drinking Water, sampling and analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in finished water supplies that use groundwater sources are discussed. Concentrations of 29 VOCs in addition to five trihalomethanes and total organic carbon from 945 water supplies were measured. The five most frequently found compounds other than trihalomethanes were trichloroethylene, 1,1,1‐trichloroethane, tetrachloroethylene, cis‐ and/or trans‐1,2‐dichloroethylene, and 1,1‐dichloroethane. Approximately half of the samples were taken from a random list of water systems, which were subdivided into two sets of systems—those serving fewer than 10 000 persons and those serving more than 10 000 persons. The nonrandom samples were taken from systems selected by the states, using groundwater sources that were likely to show VOCs in drinking water. Large systems in the random sample had a significantly higher frequency of occurrence of VOC contamination than small systems and were also more likely to have higher levels of contamination.