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Abstract
The use of sodium bisulfate for field preservation of soil samples collected for the analysis of volatile organics (VOCs) can result in the formation of acetone. The work was performed at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, as part of a multi-year investigation of the effects of training activities on the local environment. Preservation with sodium bisulfate was initiated in 1999 under regulatory mandate. The frequency of acetone detection and the quantities reported increased immediately thereafter. Correlation of duplicate sample results and a side-by-side comparison of six sample handling methods involving two analytical laboratories suggest the interaction of sodium bisulfate with naturally occurring organic matter in samples from Camp Edwards cause the formation of acetone. The data also indicate that a higher content of natural organic matter results in a greater production of acetone, and more acetone is formed the longer the sodium bisulfate is in contact with the soil.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the funding for this effort came from the U.S. National Guard Burea and reviews provided by Bill Gallagher and Ben Gregson of the Impact Area Groundwater Study Program at Camp Edwards.
Notes
1The organic loam sample was designated LOC-4, the duplicate was designated LOC-6, and the sand was designated LOC-5. The clean sand was used as a field blank. All samples were analyzed at STL-VT except LOC-6, which was analyzed at STL-Chicago.
2EPA preservation and analytical method 5030.
3Non-detects and estimated values were averaged as the numerical value reported.
1The organic loam sample was designated LOC-4, the duplicate was designated LOC-6, and the sand was designated LOC-5. The clean sand was used as a field blank. All samples were analyzed at STL-VT except LOC-6, which was analyzed at STL-Chicago.
2EPA preservation and analytical method 5030.
3Non-detects and estimated values were averaged as the numerical value reported.
