United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Hazardous Waste Engineering
Research Laboratory
Cincinnati OH 45268
Research and Development
EPA/600/S2-87/047 Nov. 1987
SERA Project Summary
A Guidance Manual for
Selection and Use of Sorbents
for Liquid Hazardous Substance
Releases
Robert W. Melvold and Steven C. Gibson
The document described herein is a
guidance manual developed to provide
information for the selection and use
of sorbents for cleanup or control of
liquid hazardous substances. Literature
reviews, sorbent manufacturer data
and experiences of Federal On-Scene
Coordinators were reviewed in con-
junction with laboratory studies to
determine the compatibility and sorp-
tion capacity of selected representative
hazardous liquid-sorbent pairs. The
combined experimental and literature
data were used to prepare the manual.
On-scene coordinators and their tech-
nical support personnel are the primary
target audience for the manual.
Before utilizing the manual, the user
must first identify the spilled liquid. If
it is one of the 212 liquid hazardous
substances addressed in the manual, a
reference is provided to one of 26
' 'Sorbent Selection and Use Guides."
Each of the guides enables the user to
rapidly identify the generic sorbent
classes, physical forms, and methods
for application and collection that are
most suitable for each of three different
chemical release-control scenarios: (1)
a spill onto land; (2) a floating release
into water; and (3) immobilization for
landfilling.
The manual contains ' 'Sorbent Data
Sheets" for 13 generic classes of
sorbents other than activated carbon.
These data sheets contain information
on manufacturers, acquisition costs,
bulk density and sorbent limitations.
The sorption capacity of 190 sorbent-
chemical pairs was determined and
recorded in the manual. The manual
also includes cost estimation proce-
dures, test methods, hazardous liquid
physical properties, and a description
of the rationale for the relase-control
scenarios.
This Project Summary was deve-
loped by EPA's Hazardous Waste
Engineering Research Laboratory, Cin-
cinnati, OH, to announce key findings
of the research project that is fully
documented in a separate report of the
same title (see Project Report ordering
information at back).
Introduction
Spills and releases of liquid hazardous
substances can pose a severe threat to
the public and the environment. Such
substances may be released at fixed sites
or during transportation accidents.
Sorbents are potentially effective mate-
rialsfor cleaning up and controlling many
such releases. The guidance manual is
designed to facilitate the selection and
use of appropriate sorbents for treating
releases of hazardous liquids. While the
manual is targeted primarily to Federal
On-Scene Coordinators (OSC) and their
technical support staffs, it is also meant
to assist personnel who respond to
releases of hazardous liquids and immo-
bilize such substances prior to disposal,
or who engage in emergency response
for cleanup or control of industrial spills.
Development of the manual involved
a review of the literature, sorbent
manufacturers' data, OSC experiences.
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and laboratory studies. The laboratory
studies determined the compatibility and
sorption capacity of selected hazardous
liquid-sorbent pairs. To establish a
framework for the manual, three liquid
release-control scenarios were studied:
(1) a spill onto land; (2) a floating release
onto water; and (3) immobilization for
landfilling. "Sorbent Selection and Use
Guides" were developed which list
sorbents for each release-control scena-
rio. Sorbent Data Sheets were also
prepared for each of 13 classes of
sorbents. The manual also provides
information on sorbent application,
collection and disposal, cost estimation
procedures, test methods, hazardous
liquid physical properties, and a narrative
to enable selection of appropriate sor-
bents. The manual is designed to provide
information for both rapid decision
making and for conducting thorough
evaluations of alternative sorbent-use
strategies.
Procedures
The manual development project was
completed in three phases. The approach
and results of each phase are described
below.
Phase 1: Information
Collection and Test Plan
Development
Development of a List of Applicable
Hazardous Liquids—A list of hazardous
liquids for which the manual would be
applicable was developed from the
substances regulated by the Comprehen-
sive Environmental Response, Compen-
sation and Liability Act of 1980, PL96-
150 (CERCLA). The CERCLA hazardous
liquids of concern are 212 neat hazard-
ous substances that meet the liqudis
criteria designation (i.e., that a substance
possesses a melting point at or below
77°F (25°C) and a boiling point at or
above 50°F (10°C)). Waste mixtures were
not considered.
These CERCLA-regulated liquid
hazardous substances were placed into
27 classes according to functional groups
described by Herrick et al.1 Since it was
not possible to experimentally evaluate
all of the CERCLA hazardous liquids,
representative hazardous liquids were
selected from each chemical class based
on aqueous solubility, specific gravity,
liquid surface tension, and viscosity.
Table 1 lists the chemical classes and
guide numbers to which each hazardous
liquid was assigned.
Collection of Information—To com-
plete the Sorbent Selection and Use
Guides and the Sorbent Data Sheets,
pertinent data were collected. The
physical data gathered for each liquid
included specific gravity, aqueous solu-
bility, surface tension, and viscosity.
When physical data was unavailable
from technical reference materials and
journals, such data were solicited from
chemical manufacturers of the liquids.
A literature review also was conducted
to identify available sorbents and their
manufacturers, and to obtain published
data on sorbent properties and perfor-
mance. Because information deficien-
cies were noted in the literature, data
sheets were requested from sorbent
producers. These data sheets provided
limited sorbent property and procure-
ment information, and sorbent-
hazardous liquid pair data such as
sorption capacity, retention capacity,
sorbent compaction and expansion data,
performance parameters and safety
precautions.
Test Plan Formation—For each chem-
ical class, a representative chemical was
chosen. Similarly, a representative
sorbent was chosen from each of the 13
generic sorbent classes. Those represen-
tative sorbent-hazardous liquid pairs for
which no data were available became
primary candidates for testing. The
selection of a hazardous liquid for testing
was based on the probability that a
substance from one of the 27 chemical
classes would be released and the degree
of hazard that it presented to public
health or the environment. Probability of
Table 1. CERCLA Liquid Chemical Classes
a release was based on the annuE
production volume, while the degree c
hazard was based on the propose
reportable quantity (RQ) of the CERCL
liquid as promulgated by the Environ
mental Protection Agency i
48FR23552-23605 and subsequen
revisions. The sorbents were assigned
priority for testing based on (1) sorber
availability and (2) sorbent applicabilit
for ameliorating a spill similar to one o
more of the three cleanup scenarios. Th
following list presents the 13 generi
sorbent categories identified by th
project:
Sorbent Clay
Polyethylene
Diatomite
Polypropylene
Wood Fiber
Cross-Linked Polymer
Treated Wood Fiber
Feathers
Expanded Mineral
Treated Clay/Treated Natural Organic
Foamed Glass
Treated Expanded Mineral/Treate
Wood Fiber
Polyurethane
The sorbent-hazardous liquid pair
chosen for testing were from the to|
priority groups, resulting in selection c
a maximum of 250 pairs.
Phase 2: Compatibility and
Sorption Capacity Testing
Laboratory experiments and estima
tion procedures were employed in Phas<
2 to generate or estimate sorbent per
formance data that were not availabli
from the literature. The Phase 2 work ii
described below.
Compatibility Testing—A standan
operating procedure (SOP) was prepare!
Chemical Class
Guide
Number
Chemical Class
Guide
Numbe
Derrick, E.D., D Carstea, and G. Goldgraben.
Sorbent Materials for Cleanup of Hazardous Spills,
EPA/600/2-82/030, U S Environmental Protec-
tion Agency, Environmental Research Center,
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1982.
Acidic compounds, inorganic 1
Acidic compounds, organic 2
Alcohols andglycols 3
Aldehydes 4
Aliphatic hydrocarbons 5
Aliphatics, halogenated 6
Amides, anilides, and imides 7
Amines, alky I 8
Amines, aryl 9
Aromatic hydrocarbons 10
Aromatics. halogenated 11
Basic compounds 12
Cyanates and isocyanates 13
Cyanides and nitrites 14
Esters and ethers
Ethers, halogenated
Halides, inorganic
Heavy metals
Hydrazines and hydrazides
Ketones
Nitro/nitroso compounds
Organophosphates
Oxides, alkylene
Peroxides
Phenols and cresols
Sulfates and sulfites
Sulfides and mercaptans
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
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to describe the procedures employed in
conducting the compatibility tests. When
a gross incompatibility is observed or
degradation of the sorbent occurs, the
sorbent-hazardous liquid pair is excluded
from sorption capacity testing. Also,
when the sorbent is not wetted by the
hazardous liquid, the sorbent-liquid pair
does not qualify for sorption capacity
testing. The sorption capacity measure-
ments of 190 sorbent-liquid pairs were
conducted in Phase 2 of the project. The
10 sorbents tested for sorption capacity
with the representative hazardous liq-
uids were also tested for their sorption
capacity with water. The data obtained
were used to determine hazardous
liquid/water preference indices for the
sorbents.
Sorption Capacity Testing—The sor-
bent testing protocol consists of three
procedures for three different sorbent
forms: (1) a decanting procedure for
paniculate sorbents in which, after a 2-
hour exposure in a graduated cylinder,
the hazardous liquid is poured out
through a stainless steel screen leaving
behind the loaded sorbent for measure-
ment; (2) A volume measurement proce-
dure for finely-divided paniculate sor-
bents, wherein the sorbent is allowed to
settle and the volume of the sorbent layer
(and the liquid contained therein) is
determined; and (3) A pad/mat immer-
sion procedure, in which a standard-
sized sorbent specimen is immersed in
and then removed from a hazardous
liquid and weighed after dripping ceases.
Sorbent/'Hazardous Liquid Data Esti-
mation—Project funds did not permit
experimental determination of all
sorbent-hazardous liquid sorption capac-
ity values of interest. Procedures were
established for estimating sorption
capacities in cases where the untested
sorbent-chemical pair is sufficiently
similar to pairs for which data are
available. Although the estimation proce-
dures are not rigorously defensible from
a scientific standpoint, it was concluded
that OSC and their technical support
personnel would have to develop similar
estimation procedures when faced with
hazardous liquid releases for which
sorption capacity data did not exist.
Therefore, the estimates were made,
included in the manual, and clearly
marked as estimates.
Phase 3: Manual Preparation
This phase of the project involved the
following elements:
• Development of the Sorbent Selection
and Use Guides
• Preparation of the Sorbent Data
Sheets
• Production of ancillary data tables:
—sorption capacity
—hazardous liquid/water preference
—physical properties
—test methods
—equipment/sorbent costs
• Preparation of the handbook text
Each of these elements is described
below.
Results and Discussion
The manual contains nine sections.
The first three sections, "Sorbent Selec-
tion and Use," "Sorbent Data," and
"Technical/Logistical Information," are
essential to users who require a
condensed source of sorbent selection
and use guidance. The other six sections,
"Cost Estimation Procedures and Data,"
"Test Methods," "Spill Scenario Ratio-
nale," "Sources of Information," "CER-
CLA Liquid Chemical Information," and
"Sorbent Selection Rationale" explain
the rationale used to develop the
condensed guidance in the first three
sections and also provide information
that enables the user to acquire and use
sorbent information for specific needs.
A synopsis of each of the nine sections
is provided below.
Section A—Sorbent Selection
and Use
Two CERCLA Liquids Indexing Tables
are an integral part of Section A. The first
indexing table lists CERCLA designated
hazardous liquids, the chemical class and
guide number to which each liquid has
been assigned, the CAS number for each
liquid, the hazards in addition to toxicity,
and the behavior of the liquid in water.
The second indexing table lists the 4-digit
DOT ID number used in commercial
shipping, and supplemental information
similar to that in the first indexing table.
Information is provided for all 212
CERCLA liquids that were identified.
Section A of the guide also contains
the Sorbent Selection and Use Guides.
Each guide presents information on the
use of sorbents relevant to the three
scenarios: Landspill, Floating Spill, and
Landfill. Chemical functional classes are
generally regarded to be descriptive of
the chemical reactivity of the CERCLA
liquids; consequently, one guide was
prepared for each chemical class for
which data were available. Each guide
lists generic sorbents in recommended
order for consideration for each of the
scenarios. Application and collection
procedures are listed in each guide based
on assessment of the optimal procedures
for use with each generic sorbent. For
each sorbent listed in each guide, the
page number of the Sorbent Data Sheet
is also included.
Section B—Sorbent Data
This section contains (1) an index of
sorbent manufacturers, trade names,
and generic sorbent categories, (2) 13
Sorbent Data Sheets, (3) the sorption
capacity data, and (4) the hazardous
liquid/water preference indices.
A Sorbent Data Sheet was prepared
for each generic class of sorbents. Each
data sheet lists the generic sorbent class,
commercial trade names, manufactur-
ers' data on the types of sorbents, their
cost, bulk density and storage require-
ments. The sorbent types generally
available include: particulates, pillows,
pads, mats, and booms. The data sheets
also report limitations on the use of each
generic sorbent for landspills and floating
spills. Hazards relative to gross incom-
patibilities, and health, safety, and
environmental concerns, are delineated
and the sorbent density is also given. The
format allows for updating of the Sorbent
Data Sheets as additional sorbents
become available. Sorption capacity data
for the representative sorbent-hazardous
liquid pairs are also tabled in the final
document. Still another table in the final
guidance manual contains hazardous
liquid-water preference indices, which
are the ratio of the grams of hazardous
liquid absorbed to the grams of water
absorbed by the same quantity of sor-
bent. The preference index provides an
indication of a sorbent's performance in
a waterspill scenario. The larger the
hazardous liquid/water preference
index, the greater the hydrophobic
quality of the sorbent and the greater the
likelihood that it will preferentially sorb
hazardous liquids.
Section C—Technical/
Logistical Information
This section presents guidance on
equipment and techniques to use for (1)
the application and collection of sorbents
in a spill cleanup situation, (2) the
immobilization by sorbents of hazardous
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liquids for disposal in a landfill, (3) reuse
of sorbents, and (4) the disposal of used
sorbents. The text describes equipment
and manpower requirements, limita-
tions, and safety precautions for the
application and collection of the three
basic sorbent forms: (1) paniculate, (2)
pillow, pad, or mat, and (3) sorbent
booms.
Section D—Cost Estimation
Procedures and Data
This section provides data for estimat-
ing the cost of using a sorbent. A
discussion of general cost categories for
cleanup with sorbents is presented. The
major categories are equipment, expen-
dable materials, labor, disposal, and
transportation. Cost data are given in
1983 dollars for estimation purposes.
Guide Sections B and C should be
consulted to determine specific equip-
ment, materials, labor, disposal, and
transportation requirements.
Section E— Test Methods
Section E describes test methods
available for evaluating sorbent perfor-
mance characteristics such as sorption
capacity and release rates. Brief descrip-
tions of the test methods, including
purpose, applicability, limitations, and
selection of an appropriate test method
if required. Manufacturers data on
sorption of hazardous liquids by sorbents
generally do not cite test procedures. The
absence of sorbent performance data
derived from a common test method
makes comparison of results difficult.
Sect/on F—Spill Scenario
Rationale
Section F presents the rationale for
selecting and defining the cleanup
scenarios considered in the manual.
These scenarios represent situations
where sorbents are most likely to be a
viable method of spill treatment.
Section G—Sources of
Information
Sources of information on CERCLA
liquids and sorbents are presented in
Section G. References such as reports,
handbooks, publications, and vendors
are identified.
Section H—CERCLA Liquid
Chemical Information
Section H presents physical property
data on specific gravity, solubility in
water, viscosity, and surface tension for
the CERCLA liquids. The physical data
tabulation enables identification of
CERCLA liquids with similar physical
properties, which is useful information
for estimating sorption capacity for
similar liquids. The hazardous liquid
specific gravity, in conjunction with
sorbent specific gravity and sorption
capacity, can be used to calculate the
volume of loaded sorbent that will be
generated and subsequently require
disposal. The data are organized alpha-
betically by chemical class followed by
the hazardous liquid CERCLA name and
the CAS Registry number.
Section I—Sorbent Selection
Rationale
Section I presents the rationale and
resultant procedures for developing the
ranked lists of sorbents that are con-
tained in the Guides.
Conclusions
A Guidance Manual for the Selection
and Use of Sorbents for Liquid Hazardous
Substance Releases provides a concise
compilation of information and data
pertaining to the selection, acquisition,
application, collection, regeneration, and
disposal of sorbents. The inclusion of a
chemcial index (by chemical name and
DOT number), which is cross-referenced
to Sorbent Selection and Use Guides and
Sorbent Data Sheets, enables the user
to quickly locate pertinent sorbent
information for the liquid hazardous
substances addressed in the manual. The
manual includes 190 sorption capacity
measurements taken as part of the
project and which were unavailable in
the literature prior to this effort. The
availability of a condensed source of
information on sorbents promotes their
efficient use by assisting decision-
makers to estimate and compare the
effectiveness and cost of various
sorbent-use strategies. Although the
primary target audience for the manual
is Federal On-Scene Coordinators and
their technical support staffs, the manual
is also applicable to the needs of spill
clean-up managers representing State
and local agencies as well as the private
sector.
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R. Melvold and S Gibson are with Environmental Monitoring and Services,
Newbury Park, CA 91320, and R. Scarberry is with JRB Associates, McLean,
VA 22102
Michael Royer is the EPA Project Officer (see below).
The complete report entitled "A Guidance Manual for the Selection and Use
of Sorbents for Liquid Hazardous Substance Releases," (Order No. PB 87-
208 765/AS; Cost: $18.95. subject to change) will be available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:
Re/eases Control Branch
Hazardous Waste Engineering Research Laboratory—Cincinnati
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Edison, NJ 08837
-
(,,2501031
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Center for Environmental Research
Information
Cincinnati OH 45268
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EPA
PERMIT No G-:
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Penalty for Private Use $300
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