You are here:
An Integrated Forensics Approach To Fingerprint PCB Sources In Sediments Using RSC And ACF
Citation:
Leather, J., G. Durrell, G. Johnson, AND M. A. MILLS. An Integrated Forensics Approach To Fingerprint PCB Sources In Sediments Using RSC And ACF. Presented at SETAC New Orleans 30th Anniversary 2009, New Orleans, LA, November 19 - 23, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
To present the results of a case study done at Hunters Point Shipyard.
Description:
Determing the original source of contamination to a heterogeneous matrix matrix such as sediment is a requirement for both clean-up and compliance programs. Identifying the source of sediment contaminants in industrial settings is a pre-requisite to implementing any proposed sediment remedial options under many clean-up programs. This is due to fact that the sources must be controlled prior to remedial efforts to ensure that recontamination can be avoided. An additional reason for source identification includes ensuring that costs of any remedial efforts can be fairly allocated among multiple principle responsible parties (PRPs). In some instances, elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediment have led to impairment designations requiring the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and subsequent waste load reduction under compliance programs. The need to develop these types of TMDLs also requires the development and use of a forensics approach to fingerprint contaminant sources so that loads can be allocated. To address these PCB fingerprinting needs, we present an integrated forensics approach to fingerprint PCB sources in sediments using rapid sediment characterization (RSC) and advanced chemical fingerprinting (ACF) techniques. RSC uses techniques, such as immunoassays to provide rapid, cost-effective delineation of concentration gradients, and allow contour maps to show where potential sources are present. ACF uses techniques, such as high resolution GC/MS, to provide an extended list of congeners that are input into multivariate statistical analyses to determine what potential sources are present. The objective of combining RSC and ACF is to answer the "where" and "what" questions about potential sources by maximizing the benefits and minimizing the limitations of each technique. For example, RSC provides total PCB concentrations for spatial (and perhaps temporal with core data) coverage, allowing chemical gradients to be determined for initial indications of where potential sources are located. A selected subset of these samples can then be used for fingerprinting what potential sources are present. By combining these techniques, a cost-effective forensics approach can be designated for most sites. The results for a case study at Hunters Point Shipyard will be presented.
URLs/Downloads:
Conference Information
An Integrated Forensics Approach To Fingerprint PCB Sources In Sediments Using RSC And ACF (PDF, NA pp, 289 KB, about PDF)