Open AccessAdvanced organic analysis and analytical methods development: FY 1995 progress report. Waste Tank Organic Safety Program
Author(s) -
Karen L. Wahl,
J. Argyll Campbell,
S.A. Clauss
Publication year - 1995
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/109515
Subject(s) - environmental science , waste management , mass spectrometry , genetic algorithm , biodegradable waste , process engineering , environmental chemistry , chemistry , engineering , chromatography , evolutionary biology , biology
This report describes the work performed during FY 1995 by Pacific Northwest Laboratory in developing and optimizing analysis techniques for identifying organics present in Hanford waste tanks. The main focus was to provide a means for rapidly obtaining the most useful information concerning the organics present in tank waste, with minimal sample handling and with minimal waste generation. One major focus has been to optimize analytical methods for organic speciation. Select methods, such as atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, were developed to increase the speciation capabilities, while minimizing sample handling. A capillary electrophoresis method was developed to improve separation capabilities while minimizing additional waste generation. In addition, considerable emphasis has been placed on developing a rapid screening tool, based on Raman and infrared spectroscopy, for determining organic functional group content when complete organic speciation is not required. This capability would allow for a cost-effective means to screen the waste tanks to identify tanks that require more specialized and complete organic speciation to determine tank safety