The 800 Area sample analyses were performed using SOPs written, reviewed, and issued as
controlled documents by members of the ESH-DACH, ESH-DACL, and ESH-DARC. These
SOP reference protocols can be found in SW-846, 3rd edition, "Test Methods for Evaluating
Solid Waste."9 Sixteen metals were routinely determined. Ten metals were analyzed using
flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission
spectroscopy, and five metals were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Mercury was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. VOCs were determined
by using a purge and trap sample pretreatment followed by gas chromatography-mass
spectroscopy detection. SVOCs were determined by solvent extraction followed by gas
chromatography-mass spectroscopy detection. PCB/pesticides were determined by solvent
extraction followed by gas chromatography-electron capture detection. In the case of organic
compound analyses, efforts were made to identify compounds that were present but not included
on the method list. This was accomplished and standard solutions of these compounds were
prepared and analyzed. TDS were determined gravimetrically. Sulfate determination was
performed using a turbidimetric technique while chloride was determined by titrimetry.
Ammonia was determined by using distillation followed by an ion selective electrode technique.
Some analyses were performed at an off-site contracted laboratory. SW-8469 procedures were
specified and used. Cyanide and phenol were determined by distillation followed by a
spectrophotometric finish. Total organic carbon and total organic halide were determined by
combustion techniques followed by infrared detection and coulometric titration, respectively.
The 800 Area groundwater radiological analyses were performed using SOPs written, reviewed, and issued as controlled documents by members of the ESH-DARC Section. Hydrogen-3 was determined by distillation followed by a beta liquid scintillation counting technique. Strontium-90 was determined by an ion-exchange separation followed by a proportional counting technique.
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