xvEPA
                                   United States
                                   Environmental Protection
                                   Agency
                 EPA'540/MR-95/521
                 August 1995
                                   SUPERFUND INNOVATIVE
                                   TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
                                   Demonstration Bulletin

                        Field Analytical Screening Program: PCB Method

                                  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Technological Description: The field analytical screening pro-
gram  (FASP)  polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)  method  uses  a
temperature-programmable gas  chromatograph (GC) equipped
with an electron capture detector (ECD) to identify and quantify
PCBs.  Gas chromatography  is  an EPA-approved method for
determining PCB concentrations. The FASP PCB method is  a
modified version of EPA SW-846 Method 8000.

To perform the FASP PCB method on soil samples,  PCBs are
extracted from the samples, injected into a GC,  and identified
and quantified with an ECD.  Chromatograms produced by this
equipment for each sample are compared to the chromatograms
of PCB standards. Peak patterns and retention times from the
chromatograms are used to identify and quantify PCBs in the soil
sample extract. In addition to  the GC, the operator may use an
autosampler that automatically injects equal amounts of the sample
extract into the GC column. The autosampler ensures that the
correct amount of extract is used for each analysis and allows
continual analysis without an operator.

The FASP PCB method has both advantages and limitations
when  used under field conditions. The method can 1) quickly
provide results, 2) provide results that are comparable to formal
laboratories in terms of statistical accuracy, 3) identify individual
Aroclors, and 4) provide results with detection limits comparable
to those of formal laboratories.

Instrumentation and equipment required for the FASP PCB method
are not highly  portable. When mounted in a mobile laboratory
trailer, however, the method can operate on or near most sites
relatively  easily. Use of this  method requires electricity, and
Aroclor standards require refrigeration. An  exhaust hood and
carrier gases also are needed. A trained and experienced opera-
tor is  needed for  the method to produce reliable results. The
operator should have at least  six months of GC experience and
one month of PCB analysis experience.
Soil samples must be extracted before analysis begins. Hexane
and sulfuric acid are used during the extraction process. Hexane
extracts the PCBs from the soil and sulfuric acid removes poten-
tial interferences from the soil sample.

Waste Applicability: The FASP PCB method can identify and
quantify PCBs in soil and water samples.

Demonstration Results: The FASP PCB method was demon-
strated under the SITE  Program at a well-characterized, PCB-
contaminated site. During the demonstration, 112 soil samples,
32 field duplicates, and 2 performance evaluation samples  were
analyzed with the FASP PCB method. A confirmatory laboratory
analyzed the samples using SW-846 Method 8080. The accuracy
and precision of the FASP PCB method was evaluated by di-
rectly  comparing its data with the data from the confirmatory
laboratory.  In addition, the operational characteristics and perfor-
mance factors of the FASP PCB method were evaluated.
                     i
The data from the  FASiP PCB method were not  statistically
different from the confirmatory analysis.

The results from this SITE demonstration are included in an
Innovative Technology Evaluation Report that will be available in
late 1995.

An Innovative Technology Evaluation Report (ITER) describing
the complete demonstration will be  available in late 1995.

Acknowledgment: This  Bulletin was prepared by the U.S. Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Develop-
ment, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Cincinnati,
OH 45268.
                                                                                          Printed on Recycled Paper

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For Further Information:

EPA Project Manager:
Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. EPA
944 East Harmon
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2154
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
National Risk Management Research Laboratory (G-72)
Cincinnati, OH 45268

Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300

EPA/540/MR-95/521
     BULK RATE
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
        EPA
   PERMIT No. G-35

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