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Title:	In-situ detection of contaminant plumes in ground water
Authors:	U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency. University of New Hampshire. Dept. of Chemistry. Seitz, W. Rudolf
Keywords:	Contaminant detection Ground water Water Fiber optics Spectroscopy Pollution Soil pollution Measurement
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.)) ; 90-27.
Description:	Special Report Abstract: Ground-water contaminants can be detected in situ by making spectroscopic measurements through fiber optics. In addition to direct measurements, it is possible to couple fiber optics with chemical indicators that interact with the contaminants to enhance their detectability. Direct fluorescence measurements have been used to sensitively detect aromatic hydrocarbons in fossil fuels. Direct Raman measurements are also possible but can only detect relatively high concentrations (> 0.1 %). Parts per billion levels of nitroaromatics and halogenated hydrocarbons can be detected using indicators that react to form colored products. The rate at which the absorbance of the colored product increases is proportional to concentration. Refractive index measurements offer a rugged reversible approach to detecting organic contaminants in the low parts per million range. All of these techniques require further development before they can be reliably used on a routine basis. Other spectroscopic techniques are considered in the report but are not considered ready for in-situ ground-water monitoring at this time.
Rights:	Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11681/11680
Appears in Collections:	Special Report