SAMPLING GUIDE FOR GRO/BTEX

AK101 & BTEX Preserved w/Methanol

The jars prepared by Analytica Alaska Inc. for Method AK101 are pre-numbered, pre-tared and recorded in a logbook. Sample weights are critical to the analyses of Method AK101, as referenced in Appendix D. 8.2.3, Revision 3.0, updated 1/31/96, of the ADEC UST Guidance Documents for the Determination of Gasoline Range Organics. CAUTION: USE ONLY THE TARED JARS AND METHANOL PROVIDED BY ANALYTICA ALASKA. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE JARS LABORATORIES OUTSIDE THE ANALYTICA GROUP. ANALYTICA WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR DATA IMPACTED BY THIS PRACTICE, NOR WILL ANALYTICA BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COST INCURRED BY THE CLIENT FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS ADEC BOTTLE REQUIREMENT.

The following procedures should be followed:

• DO NOT place any labels on the tared jars, write the sample ID on the lid.

(The definition of a "tared jar" is a 4 oz. Amber Glass Jar w/Septa Lid and numbers on the lid and jar. For this reason, Analytica Alaska does not provide labels for any of the tared jars.)

• DO NOT switch lids between jars, the lid and jar number must match.

(Identical numbers are placed on the lid and jar in the laboratory and then pre-weighed.)

• A minimum of 20 grams of matrix is needed for analyses, if possible. Less than 20 grams may increase detection limits. Please DO NOT fill with more than approximately 40 grams of matrix. (Approximately 1/4 - 1/3 of the jar.)
• The entire vial of methanol should cover the matrix. (8.2.4) If one entire vial of methanol is insufficient, add a second entire vial to the sample. (If a second vial is added, it must be noted on the chain of custody AND the sample lid.) NOTE: ADDING A SECOND VIAL WILL INCREASE DETECTION LIMITS.
• Make sure the jars are upright in the cooler to prevent leakage.
• Percent Moisture is needed for the analysis of Method AK101. If no other sample jars are filled with the same matrix being tested for AK101, then an additional 4 ounces of the matrix is needed for the "Percent Moisture". If you know that this will be the case, let the Sample Custodian know at the time you place the bottle order and additional plastic jars will be provided by Analytica Alaska.
• A "travel" blank (also known as a methanol or trip blank) is "recommended". (8.2.8 and 10.9.3.2) The travel blank is prepared at the laboratory and consists of a tared jar, 20 grams of lab sand and 25 ml. of methanol. The weight is recorded and the travel blank labeled.
• A "field" blank "may" be added (8.2.9 and 10.9.3.3) The field blank is also prepared at the laboratory and consists of a tared jar and 20 grams of lab sand. A vial of methanol is provided to add to the "field blank" in the field. It is then returned and the weight is recorded at the laboratory like the other sample.

SAMPLING GUIDE FOR
PCB WIPE PROCEDURE

Supplies Provided:

Sterile Gauze Pads
40 ML. VOA Vial Containing Hexane
4 OZ. Amber Jars 

• TAKE STERILE GAUZE PAD AND MOISTEN WITH HEXANE IN 40 ML. VOA.
• WIPE AREA TO BE ANALYZED, INDICATE THE SIZE OF THE AREA WIPED ON C.O.C AND CLOSE LID TIGHTLY. RESULTS WILL BE REPORTED IN MICROGRAMS PER AREA.
• FOR QC, A FIELD BLANK HAS BEEN INCLUDED. PLEASE DO NOT OPEN THE BLANK IN THE FIELD AND REMEMBER TO RETURN IT WITH THE ACTUAL SAMPLES.

RCRA WASTE CHARACTERIZATION
Bottle Requirements - Full Suite

METHODS

Ignitable / 1010
Corrosivity - pH / 9040
Reactivity / 9010 / 9030
*TCLP / 1311
Metals: As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Se, Ag
*Volatiles
*Pesticides + Herbicides
*Semi - Volatiles

MATRIX AMOUNT REQUIREMENTS

OIL BURN SPECIFICATIONS

METHODS

Ignitability / 1010
Total Halogens / ASTMD808
Total Metals: As, Cd, Cr, Pb / 6010
PCB / TSCA

SAMPLE AMOUNT REQUIREMENTS

One 8 oz. jar

TAH AND TAqH

Referencing regulations cited in the Alaska Water Quality Standards, 18 AAC 70 the DEC has created two test categories and has placed regulatory limits on these categories. It should be recognized that the regulatory limits as well as the analyte list for these test categories varies on an individualized basis. These categories are discussed below:

TAH

Total Aromatic Hydrocarbons (TAH) is analyzed by either method EPA 602 or SW8021B. This analysis includes the compounds Benzene, Chlorobenzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, 1-3, 1-4 and 1-2 di-Chlorobenzenes and total Xylenes (sum of m,p and o xylene). For most monitoring and discharge permit holders, the state allows for reporting the BTEX compounds only (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes). The laboratory will log the samples in for TAH as either "BTEX" or "602" depending upon the requirements of the permit holder. Please check your permit to determine if your needs are for just the four or for the full eight compounds.

TaqH

Total Aqueous Hydrocarbons (TaqH) consists of the total of the Aromatic Hydrocarbons (TAH) compounds (see above) and the Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds. PAH compounds are analyzed by GC using method EPA 610.

TRIP BLANK – The Low Cost Insurance Policy

Trip Blanks are what we believe to be one of the most critical aspects of your sampling regime and it’s importance should not be overlooked, or minimized. Processed accurately, a trip blank becomes your guarantee that your primary samples were not contaminated during transportation (that’s why they call it a "trip"!)

Trip Blank - Technical Description

A Trip Blank is a sample of laboratory grade distilled water that is collected in the same type of container that is required for the analytical test. For example, if VOC is the test category requested and a VOC trip blank is to be supplied, then laboratory grade distilled water is placed into a VOC vial in the laboratory and labeled as "Trip Blank, Do Not Open". Trip blanks travel with the project cooler from the laboratory to the sampling site and back to the laboratory without being opened.

The trip blank is then analyzed by the laboratory to verify that no sample contamination occurred during the transportation or sampling operations of a project. If the trip blank has detectable quantities of the sought for analytes, it is possible that any positive results in the sample may be due to contamination. Conversely, if the trip blank does not have reportable quantities of the sought for analytes, then one can safely conclude that the samples were not contaminated during transportation or sampling, and the values reported are actually found in the sample.