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ELECTROCHEMICAL TECHNIQUE FOR DETECTION OF TNT USING DISPOSABLE SCREEN-PRINTED ELECTRODES
Citation:
Pearson, R AND K R. Rogers. ELECTROCHEMICAL TECHNIQUE FOR DETECTION OF TNT USING DISPOSABLE SCREEN-PRINTED ELECTRODES. Presented at 220th ACS National Meeting, Washington, DC, August 20-24, 2000.
Impact/Purpose:
The overall objective of this task is to develop scientifically sound sampling and bioanalytical approaches for screening and monitoring of hazardous wastes. These techniques are expected to provide the Agency with improved screening and field portable methods to characterize, reduce, and control risk to human health and the environment. Specific objectives will include development and characterization of the following concepts:
SPMDs for passive accumulation of TICs
Bioassays for toxic and genotoxic compounds
MIPs for volatile and semivolatile toxic organics
Rapid screening assays using the previously listed components.
Description:
Nitroaromatic and nitroamine explosives have been found in the soil and water from many government military bases due to disposal, storage and weapons testing. Run-off from contaminated soil and water can enter groundwater and potentially contaminate drinking water for near-by communities. Other sources of contamination can come from production plants and storage of explosives. With the closing of military bases throughout the U.S. and Europe, contamination will need to be assessed and remediated before the land and water can be used. The application of rapid and inexpensive field screening techniques facilitate more effective decisions during characterization and remediation processes. Field analytical techniques specific for TNT will also be of benefit in monitoring phytoremediation of explosives from contaminated soils.
A variety of laboratory-based methods have been reported for the measurement of explosives in contaminated environmental media [1,2]. A number of field methods have also been reported [3,4]. The methods that are based on chemical or immunochemical reactions (primarily rapid field methods) tend to show significant cross-reactivities with other contaminants. In addition, these methods can be somewhat complex and require expensive supplies and instrumentation. Presented in this abstract is a particularly simple, rapid, sensitive and potentially cost-effective technique for detection of TNT using screen-printed thick film electrodes coupled with SWV.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Research and Development (ORD), funded this research and approved this abstract as a basis for an oral presentation. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation of these products by the EPA. The actual presentation has not been peer reviewed by EPA