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TECHNICAL GUIDANCE FOR THE NATURAL ATTENUATION INDICATORS: METHANE, ETHANE, AND ETHENE
Citation:
Impact/Purpose:
This method is for the analysis of ground water samples for monitoring natural attenuation. Analysis of dissolved methane, ethane, and ethene in conjunction with other natural attenuation parameters is used to determine whether or not natural attenuation is occurring. This document outlines principles to be used as guidance to generate data which are usable for the intended objectives. This regional guidance is available to the regulated community, consultants, and contractors.
Description:
To monitor natural attenuation, the following procedure is used to analyze ground water samples. An inert gas is injected into the VOA or serum vial containing the water sample to create headspace. After equilibrium, the headspace is analyzed for the target gases, methane, ethane, and ethene. The concentration of the gases in the water is calculated using Henry's Law. The concentration of the gas in the liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid.