Demonstration and Validation of a Regenerated Cellulose Dialysis Membrane Diffusion Sampler for Monitoring Ground Water Quality and Remediation Progress at DoD Sites for Perchlorate and Explosives Compounds

Abstract : This final technical report documents the demonstration and validation of regenerated cellulose dialysis membrane diffusion samplers (RCDM samplers) for use in collecting groundwater samples for perchlorate and a suite of explosives compounds. This project, ER-0313, was funded by the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). The primary objectives of the project were; (1) to determine the usefulness of RCDM samplers in collecting perchlorate and a suite of explosives compounds from groundwater, (2) to determine the optimum equilibration times for these constituents to diffuse into the RCDM sampler, (3) to compare water-quality results and sampling costs from samples collected with RCDM samplers to samples collected with a low-flow purging technique, and (4) to transfer the technology while gaining regulatory acceptance. Equilibration times were determined in bench-scale testing for perchlorate and 14 nitroaromatic and nitramine explosives compounds. Field comparisons were conducted at two Department of Defense (DoD) sites: (1) Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG), Maryland, and, (2) Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Samples collected with the two sampling techniques were compared graphically and statistically to determine the significance of any differences found. RCDM samplers were found to cost significantly less than samples collected with a low-flow purging procedure. Sampling time was reduced by 84%, compared to low-flow purging. The total sampling costs per sample were calculated to be 71% less with an RCDM sampler, compared to low-flow purging.