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Energetic Compound False Positives in Ground Water Profile Samples
Author(s) -
Clausen Jay,
Wessling Elizabeth,
Chirgwin Brad
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
groundwater monitoring and remediation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1745-6592
pISSN - 1069-3629
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6592.2007.00154.x
Subject(s) - false positive paradox , true positive rate , sampling (signal processing) , environmental science , chromatography , chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , computer science , artificial intelligence , detector , telecommunications
The analytical procedure U.S. EPA SW‐846 method 8330 is the predominant technique used for analysis of energetic compounds in water and soil. The basis for compound identification is nonspecific and for some complex samples may yield false‐positive results for energetic compounds. Suspended particulates and drilling fluids are potential interferents introduced to ground water profile samples. Profile samples had a higher frequency of false positives relative to monitoring well samples. Additionally, the false‐positive frequency was lower in samples where no lubricants or greases were used during drilling and sampling. Protocol refinements, the inclusion of photodiode array (PDA) spectral analysis, visual inspection of chromatograms and PDA spectra, and careful manual data evaluation have reduced false‐positive detections. A project team investigating ground water with the potential for energetic compounds must have extensive experience with method 8330, knowledge of how to use PDA analysis, and experience in interpreting chromatograms and PDA spectra for the target compounds.