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Nitroaromatics and Nitroglycerine
This Fact Sheet is presented by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III (EPA) to assist in the selection of analytical parameters and the associated Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures to be utilized in Phase II Environmental Assessments under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields initiative. This fact sheet is presented for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a federal policy or directive. The Brownfields Coordinator for this region may be reached at 215-814-5000.
Nitroaromatic compounds are compounds usually associated with explosive manufacturing and ordnance facilities. Nitroaromatic compounds include TNT, DNT, RDX, and HMX.
ANALYSIS METHODS
Please note that the methods listed below are EPA approved and the most commonly used by EPA and their contractors. However, they are not the only methods for the analysis of nitroaromatics and nitroglycerine. In addition, these are not drinking water test methods.
| TEST | ANALYSIS METHOD |
|---|---|
| Nitroaromatics | 8090, 8330 (2), or 609 (1) |
| Nitroglycerine | 8332 (2) |
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1992. Test Methods for Organic Chemical Analysis of Municipal and Industrial Wastewater. Washington, D.C. July.
- EPA. 1986. Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste. SW-846. Washington, D.C. September.
COLLECTION MEDIA/VOLUME
Listed below are the EPA-recommended preservation and holding times as well as suggested glassware.
| MATRIX | GLASSWARE | VOLUME | PRESERVATIVE | HOLDING TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soil/Sediment | 8-oz soil jar | 1 8-oz jar | ice to 4º C | 7 days |
| Water | 32-oz amber bottle | 1 32-oz bottle | ice to 4º C | 7 days |
The laboratory should have Standard Operating Procedures available for review for the nitroaromatics and nitroglycerine analyses and for all associated methods needed to complete these analyses, such as total solids, instrument maintenance, sample handling, and sample documentation procedures. In addition, the laboratory should have available for review a Laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control Statement which includes all key personnel qualifications.
| QC TYPE | FREQUENCY OF ANALYSIS | ACCEPTABLE LIMITS |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Calibration | Prior to analysis of samples (minimum three concentration levels for every compound and an instrument blank) | Correlation Coefficient for all analyses should be >0.995, blank concentration should not exceed twice the instrument detection limit |
| Continuing Calibration | Once per 10 samples (mid-level standard containing all compounds) and a continuing calibration blank | Within 10% of true value Blank concentration should not exceed twice the instrument detection limit |
| Method Blank | Once per extraction set | See method for allowable limits |
| Matrix Spikes | One per set or per 20 samples | 75-125% |
| Duplicates | One per set or per 20 samples |
MINIMUM DATA PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS
- Sample results in a tabular form (if soil or sediment) reported on a dry weight basis.
- Report % moisture or % solids for all soil and sediment samples.
- Report sample volumes or weights, as well as any dilution factors, for each sample analysis.
- Returned copy of the chain of custody form sent with the samples with laboratory receipt acknowledgment, and the internal or laboratory chain of custody forms.
- Method blank results.
- Initial and continuing calibration data summary forms.
- Matrix spike recovery tables, including laboratory recovery QC limits, and duplicate relative percent difference QC limits.
- Date samples were analyzed, on a separate sheet, or results page.
- Optional: sample, standard and blank instrument printouts, instrument run, digestion, and total solids logs.
Note: The optional QC must be maintained by laboratory for at least one year for possible future QC audits.