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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/11675| Title: | Field screening method for 2,4-Dinitrotoluene in soil |
| Authors: | U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency. Jenkins, Thomas F. Walsh, Marianne E. |
| Keywords: | DNT Field screening method Field analysis methods Pollution Propellants Soil contamination Soil pollution Soil analysis Field Screening Method for 2,4-Dinitrotoluene in Soil |
| Publisher: | Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.) Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.) |
| Series/Report no.: | Special report (Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)) ; 91-17. |
| Description: | Special Report Abstract: A simple field screening method was developed to detect the presence of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) in soil. The method involves extraction of 2,4-DNT from the soil with acetone, generation of a bluish-purple Janowsky complex by addition of potassium hydroxide and sodium sulfite, and estimation of concentration by measuring the absorbance at 570 nm with a battery-operated spectrophotometer. While the extent of color development is also somewhat dependent on the moisture content of the soil, analysts can visually detect concentrations of 21 μg/g or greater in the soil. The acetone extraction step was shown to extract at least 80% of the 2,4-DNT present in a series of field contaminated soils. A 30-minute reaction time is required after addition of the reagents, and the color, once formed, is stable for at least 60 minutes after filtration. The presence of TNT, tetryl, TNB and 2,6-DNT will result in a positive interference with this method. High concentrations of copper in the soil may result in negative interference by inhibiting the formation of the Janowsky complex or by complexing with it to modify its visual absorbance characteristics. |
| Rights: | Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11681/11675 |
| Appears in Collections: | Special Report |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR-91-17.pdf | 3.43 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |