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Separating NAPL Compounds using LIF/UVOST® Technology

Posted by John Sohl on Jun 29, 2010 4:27:33 PM
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 During a recent site characterization in Hawaii using LIF/UVOST® technology COLUMBIA Technologies encountered relatively low levels of petroleum contamination hidden in an usually high background response. This resulted due to the presence of naturally occurring fluorescence materials (likely calcareous sands) in the subsurface at the site. This elevated background fluctuated in response intensity from log to log and often within a single log, making it more difficult to accurately identify residual petroleum contamination responses in the subsurface.

Dakota Technologies, the inventor and manufacturer of UVOST® instrumentation, was able to mathematically separate five different petroleum compound signatures from the background interference. This extended data processing enabled COLUMBIA to more accurately map the residual petroleum concentration in 3D. The subsequent data set correlated well to soil samples selected by the client providing multiple lines of evidence of the extent of the historical petroleum spill.

A relatively brief (3 days) of high resolution characterization using UVOST® and select soil sampling provided the client with a significantly greater amount of reliable information than available from traditional sampling methods in a single visit. This high resolution information will enable the client, principal party, and regulatory agency to move forward on remediation and closure options with confidence, now that their conceptual model is accurate.

Tags: High Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC), Laser Induced Fluorescence, LIF, News, UVOST