Abstract |
The sector sampling approach for the determination of the spatial contributions of volatile organic compounds to the ambient air was employed at a Superfund site under remediation. Two canister based sampling systems were deployed and whole air samples were collected at the Shaver's Farm Superfund Site in northwest Georgia near Chattanooga, Tennessee, while chemical waste drums were excavated and repackaged. The method is based upon the collection of a constant stream of air into one of two SUMMA polished canisters depending on wind direction; when the wind comes towards the sampler from the suspected emissions area, sample is routed into the 'IN' sector canister, otherwise, sample is collected in the 'OUT' sector canister. Upon analysis, the comparison between the IN and OUT sample results indicates compounds that are emitted from the suspected source area. Data from the week-long Shaver's Farm field study are presented along, with a mathematical method for interpretation. |