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Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation |  |
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EPA/600/R-04/012
Abstract: Milestone’s Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) was demonstrated under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation Program in May 2003 at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, TN. The purpose of the demonstration was to collect reliable performance and cost data for the DMA-80 and four other field measurement devices for mercury in soil and sediment. The key objectives of the demonstration were: 1) determine sensitivity of each instrument with respect to a vendor-generated method detection limit (MDL) and practical quantitation limit (PQL); 2) determine analytical accuracy associated with vendor field measurements using field samples and standard reference materials (SRMs); 3) evaluate the precision of vendor field measurements; 4) m easure time required to perform mercury measurements; and 5) estimate costs associated with mercury measurements for capital, labor, supplies, and investigation-derived wastes. The demonstration involved analysis of standard reference materials (SRMs), field samples collected from four sites, and spiked field samples for mercury. The performance results for a given field measurement device were compared to those of an off-site laboratory using reference method, “Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste” (SW-846) Method 7471B. The sensitivity, accuracy, and precision measurements were successfully completed. The DMA-80 performed well in all these categories. During the demonstration, Milestone required 22 hours and 10 m inutes for the analysis of 173 samples. The measurement costs were estimated to be $6,210 for Milestone’s DMA-80 rental option or $35.90 per sample; $18.55 per sample excluding rental fees. The DMA-80 exhibited good ease of use and durability, as well as no major health and safety concerns. However, the device portability is somewhat limited by its size. Despite these limitations, the demonstration findings collectively indicated that the DMA-80 is a reliable field mobile measurement device for mercury in soil. Contact: Dr. Stephen Billets
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