Abstract
Characterization of 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. SCAPS consists of a standard geophysical cone penetrometer fitted with probes designed to sense subsurface contaminants. SCAPS probes have been designed to detect specific classes of contaminants including petroleum products, explosive compounds, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOC). This talk describes techniques that are capable of sampling VOCs in situ from soils and groundwater and analyzing the VOC contaminant concentrations in real time using a field portable direct sampling ion trap mass spectrometer (DSITMS). The techniques discussed are in varying stages of development from completed/transitioned for production work to early development. Sensor systems in the former state of development have been demonstrated to provide rapid, cost saving site characterization of subsurface VOC contamination. The direct push sampling techniques interfaced to the DSITMS have been demonstrated to collect VOC concentration data that allow rapid determination of the extent of subsurface contamination. The precision and accuracy of the DSITMS are compare favorably to laboratory based analytical systems used to determine VOC concentrations in soil and groundwater. The advantages of using on-site analyses to direct the site investigation will be discussed in the context of the dynamic work plan approach to hazardous waste site characterization.
 

Background
(not available)
 
 

Abstract
We have developed a large volume GC sample inlet for liquids or solids, and when combined with fast GC/MS with the Ion Fingerprint data analysis software provides measurement selectivity and sensitivity sufficient to meet federal and state data quality standards.  We have shown, for example, that explosives, PAHs, PCBs, and pesticides as well as other method 8270 compounds can be quantified in the same mixture in under 10 min.  Field investigations have demonstrated that risk quality data can be produced for different compound classes in 5 min or less.  Cost savings of more than 50% have been achieved at Hanscom Air Force Base (Bedford, MA) and Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (Joliet, IL).

We have also developed an in situ thermal extraction probe by cone penetrometry (TECP) capable of desorbing soil-bound organics from the subsurface without bringing the soil sample to the surface for analysis. TECP extraction efficiencies will be presented illustrating that both volatile and semivolatile organics can be analyzed in the same mixture. Work is in progress to develop an on-line TECP-TDGC/MS system.

Background
Albert Robbat, Jr.  - Professor of Chemistry at Tufts University and the Director of the Center for Field Analytical Studies and Technology.  I have been involved with the development of two expedited site characterization process, one that is now an ASTM method and the second that will be published as a guideline by the EPA.  I have published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and reports, and currently have 6 graduate students and 2 post-docs working in my lab.  I have been a consultant to instrument and software manufacturers, the EPA, DoE, and DoD, as well as many environmental engineering companies and law firms.  I am currently helping the U>S., Italian, and Canadian environmental protection agencies better understand how to implement the Dynamic Site Investigation process.
 

Note: Do we have your correct e-mail address?  Quite a number of bounced e-mails implies that our mailing list isn't up to date.  If you haven't been receiving our e-mail announcements (or they are coming via an undesirable e-mail), please contact Lori (zeller2@llnl.gov) and she will correct our e-mail list.
 

Meeting details

Date:	Thursday	March 30, 2000
Time:	6:00 pm	Social hour, registration
	7:00 pm	Dinner ($25 for BAMS members; $35 non-members)
	8:00 pm	Presentation (free)
Dinner:	Choice of:	Chicken Chausseur (mushroom and wine sauce with rice and vegetables on the side)
		Veggie Penne Pasta with Basquaise sauce
	includes	Wine, Ice cream, Coffee and tea
Cost:	$25.00	BAMS members.  Reservations required by noon Friday 3/24/00
	$35.00	non-BAMS members.  Reservations required by noon Friday 3/24/00
	$15.00	Students only.  Reservations required by noon Friday 3/24/00

Maps & directions
Basque Cultural Center
599 Railroad Ave.
South San Francisco
650-583-8091
 

The San Francisco Bay Area Mass Spectrometry discussion group was formed in 1980 to provide a regular gathering for people interested in mass spectrometry and allied topics. BAMS currently has a membership of about 280 individual and 20 corporate members, and meets 8-10 times per year for a midweek dinner and lecture.  Meetings attract between 30 and 90 people, and are held at a restaurant or hotel in the bay area convenient for our speaker.  We usually convene at 6:00pm for cocktails, dinner at 7:00pm, and lecture at 8:15pm.
 

If you have suggestions for a meeting topic, or know of a prominent mass spectroscopist who will be visiting the bay area, please contact our program chair.
 

BAMS is pleased to post Employment postings for our members.

To become a member, please fill out and mail in a membership form.
BAMS has been fortunate to have had many excellent speakers in our short history.
If you have suggestions for a meeting topic please contact our program chair.
If you have questions or comments about BAMS, please contact one of the BAMS officers.
Please thank our corporate sponsors who help keep BAMS membership and dinner costs low.
Here are some internet links that may be of interest to BAMS members.
BAMS treasurer's report for 1999 is available here.
 

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Last update: 3/23/00.