Abstract |
The Chemical Systems Laboratory (CSL) has developed a field kit to identify spilled hazardous materials in inland waters and on the ground. The Hazardous Materials Spills Identification Kit is a two-component kit consisting of an inverter/shortwave UV lamp unit for photochemical reactions and a larger package containing reagents and auxiliary equipment. The identification kit was designed as an adjunct to EPA's Hazardous Materials Detector Kit to utilize existing instrumentation, equipment, and procedures. Thirty-six materials, representative of those with the greatest hazard potential, were selected and commercial sources were screened. Procedures selected for the kit include: thin-layer chromatography, detector tubes, detector papers, CHEMets, an arsine/Gutzeit test, and a number of color development procedures for use with the thin-layer chromatography. In addition, methods were developed for recovery of contaminants from water and soil. All information pertinent to identification of 36 specific materials was designed into a compact data retrieval system, which is included in the kit. Two prototype kits were delivered to EPA, along with a supply of consumable materials for evaluation. In addition, manuals, engineering drawings, and parts lists were provided. |