The analysis of potentially hazardous air, water and soil samples collected and shipped to service laboratories off-site is time consuming and expensive. The Chapter addresses the practical alternative of performing the requisite analytical services on-site. The most significant application of such methodology is the initial appraisal of chemical waste sites and identification of highly contaminated areas. Hence, the majority of the methods reviewed are selective for classes of compounds, providing semi-quantitative and semi-qualitative information. The methods are useful as screening techniques for monitoring the general levels of contamination in a specific area. The major advantages of field-oriented chemical analysis methods are real time sample analyses and reduced costs. Since field methods are less intricate than conventional methodology, sample throughput is increased substantially, resulting in cost savings. Costs are further reduced through the use of portable instruments that are relatively inexpensive to operate and maintain. The use of rapid on-site methodology does not preclude further characterization of samples for the presence of specific toxicants. In this regard, field methods may assist in identifying certain key analytical parameters which are then examined at a laboratory facility equipped with the appropriate instrumentation. The use of mobile analytical laboratories may be a practical alternative in certain situations.

Reprint from Contaminated Land, edited by Michael A. Smith (Plenum Publishing Corporation, 1985.). Microfiche.