US EPA

1333490 

Journal Article 

Use of SCAPS petroleum hydrocarbon sensor technology for real-time indirect DNAPL detection 

Kram, M 

1998 

Yes 

Journal of Soil Contamination
ISSN: 1058-8337 

7 

1 

73-86 

English 

10.5555/19981905611 

WOS:000071943100004 

https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/19981905611
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The Site Characterization and Analysis Cone Penetrometer System (SCAPS), equipped with real-time petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) hydrocarbon detection capabilities was used to delineate subsurface contaminant releases at a former fire fighter training facility (California, USA). Records indicated that both petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents were released at the site. The investigators advanced the SCAPS petroleum hydrocarbon sensor to depths beneath the water table of the principal water bearing zone. The water table was located 2.44 to 3.05 m below ground surface (bgs) across the site. Fuel compounds were detected at depths ranging from 4.05 m bgs and from 11.48 to 15.54 m bgs. Petroleum compounds present in the deeper soils suggested that chlorinated solvents (which are more dense than water) transported them to these unexpected depths as they migrated via gravity and advection. Analyses of soil samples taken from the subaqueous depths in question confirmed that vinyl chloride was co-mingled with petroleum hydrocarbons. This discovery suggested that the SCAPS fuel hydrocarbon detection system may be capable of indirectly delineating vadose zone and subaqueous chlorinated solvents and other dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) plumes at contaminant release sites. 

real-time petroleum; hydrocarbon detection capabilities; petroleum hydrocarbons; chlorinated solvents; vinyl chloride