![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Field-based Analytical Methods
Field-based analytical methods (FAMs) are one of the key tools of dynamic field activities because they provide the data that is used for on-site decision making. They are a broad category of analytical methods that can be applied on the site of sample collection activities. They include methods that can be used outdoors with hand-held equipment, as well as more rigorous methods that require the controlled environments of a mobile laboratory. Some of the most common FAMs are portable gas chromatography (GC), immunoassay test kits (IA), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), and gas chromotography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
- General Technology/Method Information
- Specific Technology/Method Information
- Surveys of Technology Usage
- Publications/Articles
- Vendor Information
| General Technology/Method Information |
| Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA): Innovative Technology Advisory Opinions  |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) For general to specific information on methods. FATE provides basic to comprehensive information on field technologies to be used for site characterization, remedial monitoring, and analysis. |
| U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program |
| Summary of Quality Control Samples and the Information They Provide (59K/4pp/PDF) This document has been developed to summarize the different types of QC samples available and to provide a description of the types of information they can provide for evaluating field samples. |
| National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) NEMI is a searchable library of primarily water methods compiled by the National Water Quality Monitoring Council. It provides a mechanism to compare and contrast the performance and relative cost of analytical, test, and sampling methods for environmental monitoring. |
U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste SW-846 Methods
|
U.S. EPA Environmental Response Team (ERT)
|
| Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable: Field Sampling and Analysis Technologies Matrix |
| Field Analytical Measurement Technologies, Applications and Selection, California Military Environmental Coordination Committee, 1996 |
| Specific Technology/Method Information |
Technology Specific:
- Colorimetric Indicator Tests
- Detector Tubes
- Fiber Optic Chemical Sensors
- Gas Chromatography (GC)
- Gas Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
- Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption
- Hand-held Survey Instruments
- Immunoassay (IA)
- Infrared Spectroscopy
- Laser-induced Fluorescence
- Mass Spectrometry
- Turbidimetric Test Kits
- X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
Media/Analyte Specific:
- PCB Field Analytical Technologies
- Soil Gas Sampling
- Well-Head Monitoring-VOCs
- Explosives
- Radiological Methods
| Colorimetric Indicator Tests |
| Summary of Method Performance Capabilities for Colorimetric Analyses Using a Spectrophotometer (104K/5pp/PDF) This file provides a summary of the approximate performance capabilities of colorimetric analyses using a spectrophotometer. The summary includes analyte specific estimates of detection limits, throughput, interferences, and performance tips/limitations. The capabilities of this method will vary widely for various site specific conditions. Consequently, readers so use this information with caution and they should consult an experience chemist to determine if a particular method is appropriate for meeting project requirements. |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on colorimetric indicator tests including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
| Detector Tubes |
| Standard Operating Procedures for Analysis of Total Chlorinated Ethenes in Soil and Groundwater Using the Color Tec Screening Method (87K/5pp/PDF) The Color-Tec SOP describes a field screening method that combines sample purging with colorimetric gas detector tubes to quickly detect total chlorinated ethenes at very low levels in soil and groundwater samples. Ecology & Environment, Inc. developed the method in 1997 on behalf of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). |
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
| Fiber Optic Chemical Sensors |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on fiber optic chemical sensors including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
| Gas Chromotography (GC) |
| Summary of Method Performance Capabilities Using Gas Chromatography (Portable and Transportable) (77K/2pp/PDF) This file provides a summary of the approximate performance capabilities of gas chromatography (portable and transportable). The summary includes analyte specific estimates of detection limits, throughput, interferences, and performance tips/limitations. The capabilities of this method will vary widely for various site specific conditions. Consequently, readers so use this information with caution and they should consult an experience chemist to determine if a particular method is appropriate for meeting project requirements. |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on gas chromotography including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program Verification Reports—Well-Head Monitoring-VOCs
|
| U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste SW-846 Methods: (Modifications of these methods can be used in mobile laboratories)
|
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
Compendium of ERT Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Field Analytic Procedures:
|
| Gas Chromotography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) |
| Summary of Method Performance Capabilities Using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (86K/3pp/PDF) This file provides a summary of the approximate performance capabilities of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The summary includes analyte specific estimates of detection limits, throughput, interferences, and performance tips/limitations. The capabilities of this method will vary widely for various site specific conditions. Consequently, readers so use this information with caution and they should consult an experience chemist to determine if a particular method is appropriate for meeting project requirements. |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on mass spectrometry including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
| U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste SW-846 Methods: (Modifications of these methods can be used in mobile laboratories)
|
U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program Verification Reports—Portable GC/MS Technologies
|
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
Compendium of ERT Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Field Analytic Procedures:
|
| Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
| Hand-held Survey Instruments |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides a basic description of hand-held survey instruments used for monitoring ambient air. |
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
| Immunoassay (IA) |
| Summary of Method Performance Capabilities Using Immunoassay (149K/22pp/PDF) This file provides a summary of the approximate performance capabilities of immunoassay. The summary includes analyte specific estimates of detection limits, throughput, interferences, and performance tips/limitations. The capabilities of this method will vary widely for various site specific conditions. Consequently, readers so use this information with caution and they should consult an experience chemist to determine if a particular method is appropriate for meeting project requirements. |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on immunoassay including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
| Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) IA Technology Review Advisory Opinion From: Innovative Technology: Immunoassay Field Analysis by the NEWMOA Technology Review Committee |
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste SW-846 Methods:
|
| U.S. EPA Region 1 – Immunoassay Guidelines – QA UNIT FACT SHEET 10/96 From: New Immunoassay Guidance by USEPA – Region 1, New England |
| Infrared Spectroscopy |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on infrared spectroscopy including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
| Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program Verifications—Cone Penetrometer-Deployed-Sensor Technologies
|
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
| U.S. DOE Ames Laboratory Expedited Site Characterization: Cone Penetrometer Truck with Laser Induced Fluorescence |
| Mass Spectrometry |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on mass spectrometry including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
| Turbidimetric Test Kits |
| Chapter VI: Field Methods for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons From: Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks Sites: A Guide for Regulator, EPA 510-B-97-001, released by the Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
|
| X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) |
| Summary of Method Performance Capabilities Using X-Ray Fluorescence (85K/32pp/PDF) This file provides a summary of the approximate performance capabilities of X-ray fluorescence. The summary includes analyte specific estimates of detection limits, throughput, interferences, and performance tips/limitations. The capabilities of this method will vary widely for various site specific conditions. Consequently, readers so use this information with caution and they should consult an experience chemist to determine if a particular method is appropriate for meeting project requirements. |
| U.S. EPA Technology Innovation Office Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE) Provides specific information on x-ray fluorescence including its uses, advantages and limitations, target analytes, documented past operations, and vendor and verification reports. |
| Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) XRF Technology Review Advisory Opinion From: Innovative Technology: X-Ray Fluorescence Field Analysis Date of Opinion: September 21, 1999 by the NEWMOA Technology Review Committee |
U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste SW-846 Method:
|
| U.S. EPA Region 1 – QA Unit Fact Sheet 11/96 X-Ray Fluorescence "A Quality Perspective of Metals Analysis in the Field" |
U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program Verification Reports—Field Portable XRF Analyzer Technologies
Demonstration of these technologies supported by the Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Program. |
| "Field Characterization Using Field Portable TDGC-MS, ICP/AE, XRF, and MIP/MS" Part of Field Analytical Technology Research CFAST and Tufts University by Dr. Albert Robbat, Jr. |
| U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Environmental Science Division – Provides field support for XRF. |
Compendium of ERT Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Field Analytic Procedures:
|
Media/Analyte Specific
| Explosives |
| Standard Operating Procedures for Analysis of TNT and RDX in Groundwater Using Colorimetric Method (110K/12pp/PDF) This SOP provides procedures for the detection of RDX and TNT in water using a colorimetric method. |
| U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program Verification Reports—Explosives Detection Technologies Reports Barringer Instruments – GC-IONSCAN™ Verification Statement (PDF, 41K) | Verification Report (PDF, 240K) Research International, Inc. – FAST 2000™ Verification Statement (PDF, 28K) | Verification Report (PDF, 525K) |
| Field Demonstration of On-Site Analytical Methods for TNT and RDX in Ground Water This paper evaluates the performance of eight FAMs for TNT and RDX in water. |
| Field Sampling and Selecting On-Site Analytical Methods for Explosives in Water This EPA Federal Facilities Forum issue paper provides guidance to remedial project managers on selecting methods for on-site analysis of explosives in groundwater. |
| Field Sampling and Selecting On-Site Analytical Methods for Explosives in Soil This EPA Federal Facilities Forum issue paper provides guidance to remedial project managers on selecting methods for on-site analysis of explosives in soil. |
| Radiological Methods |
| Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) MARSSIM provides information on radiological field methods in Chapter 6, Field Measurement Methods and Instrumentation, and Appendix H, Description of Field Survey and Laboratory Analysis Equipment. |
| PCB Field Analytical Technologies |
| SOP for PCB Field Testing in Soil and Sediment Samples (547K/15pp/PDF): |
U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program Verification Reports—PCB Field Analytical Technologies:
|
| Soil Gas Sampling Technologies |
U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program Verification Reports—Soil Gas Sampling Technologies:
|
U.S. EPA's Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tanks:
|
| U.S. DOE Ames Laboratory Expedited Site Characterization: Passive Soil Gas Survey |
| Well-Head Monitoring-VOCs |
U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program Verification Reports—Well-Head Monitoring-VOCs:
|
| Surveys of Technology Usage |
| Field Analytical and Site Characterization Technologies: Summary of Applications (155K/40pp/PDF) Presents information on over 200 applications of field analytical and innovative characterization technologies to allow for better understanding and broader usage. |
| Publications/Articles |
| " Using Field Methods – Experiences & Lessons: Defensibility of Field Data" by Barton Simmons – Counteracts the perception that measurements made in the field are not as legally defensible as those made in the fixed laboratory by providing legal evidence to equate the defensibility of data from the field with that from the laboratory. |
| Robbat Research Group Publications, Tufts University by Albert Robbat, Jr. – Many articles link technologies with field analytics; abstracts available. |
U.S. EPA Region 1 Article:
|
U.S. EPA Region 2 Article—Examples of Field Analytic Uses:
|
Issue Papers of U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Environmental Science Division's Technology Support Center for Monitoring and Site Characterization:
|
| US Army Corps of Engineers Analytical Chemistry Research |
| Vendor Information |
| EPA REACH IT (REmediation And CHaracterization Innovative Technologies) Search, view, download, and print information about innovative remediation and characterization technologies. REACH IT gives users access to comprehensive information about treatment and characterization technologies and their applications. |