The report gives results of a study showing that inorganic materials in control process streams at trace levels can be determined using modified, commercially available sampling equipment and atomic absorption analysis procedures; however, special care must be taken to attain high accuracy. Contamination and alteration of collected samples from sampling train components and laboratory analysis procedures represent the largest errors in determining trace level materials in process streams. A modified EPA/Aerotherm high-volume Method 5 sampling train provides adequate size samples in a 1 to 2 hour sampling period for determining inorganic elements present in gas source streams at 60 micrograms/cu m (1.1 x 10 to the minus 7th power gr/scf) and higher levels. The train's collection efficiency at sampling rates from 0.6 cu m/min (2 scfm) to 0.14 cu m/min (5 scfm) is greater than 95% for all elements analyzed (e.g., Hg, Li, Zn, Pb). Procedures and equipment currently in use for sampling liquids, slurries, and solids for major constituents are accurate and reliable for sampling trace materials, if adequate care is taken to minimize sample contamination or alteration. Atomic absorbtion methods employing dual channel instrumentation for background and sample matrix correction are applicable for the largest number of trace elements of interest. Sb and As can be determined accurately and with high sensitivity by colorimetric methods.

Contract no. 68-02-1393, ROAP no. 21AFC-004, program element no. 1AB013. Issued Dec. 1976. Includes bibliographical references (pages 133-136).