The trichloroethene (TCE) automated monitoring system has been
installed in a ground-water well for a six month monitoring program to test
long-term system viability. A monitoring well with TCE concentrations of
approximately 100 micrograms per liter (µg/l) was selected. An air
compressor provides pressurized gas. A solar cell provides power to the
electrical circuits and air compressor. The monitoring system automatically
calibrates the TCE sensor with blank, 30, and 60 µg/l standards prior to
the analysis. Split water samples will be periodically collected and sent to a
fixed-based laboratory GC/MS. Table 1 compares initial monitoring system and
laboratory results.
TABLE 1
Specificity of the Burge
System
Former Homestead AFB, Florida September 15, 2000
Test Results Confirm:
- Direct correlation with laboratory analysis.
- Sensitive enough to detect changing trends in TCE
concentrations.
- Specificity to determine TCE in the presence of other
chlorinated hydrocarbons.