Total organic carbon as a screening method for petroleum hydrocarbons

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) was used to screen soil samples for petroleum hydrocarbon contamination at a former refinery in Ohio. TOC was measured in the field via wet oxidation using chromic acid and colorimetry. Selected samples were also analyzed for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH). Comparison of TOC and TPH results demonstrated that for this site, TOC values greater than 30,000 mg/kg indicated TPH concentrations above the action level.