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U.S. EPA Contaminated Site Cleanup Information (CLU-IN)


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division

Dense Nonaqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPLs)

Detection and Site Characterization

Halogenated Alkanes

1,1,2,2- Tetrachloroethane

1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane (1,1,2,2-TetCA) is a volatile halogenated organic and as such is subject to most standard characterization and analytical techniques used on this class of chemicals. Methods such as vertical profiling, hydrophobic dyes, membrane interface probe, and standard GC/MS are discussed in the main section for DNAPLs detection and site characterization.

Diffusion Samplers

1,1,2,2-TetCA contaminated groundwater can be sampled by Diffusion Samplers (ITRC 2004).

Laboratory Methods

Analysis of 1,1,2,2-TetCA can be performed using standard analyses such as SW-846 methods 8021bAdobe PDF Logo, 8260bAdobe PDF Logo, and 8261Adobe PDF Logo.

Field Screening Methods

Given its Henry's constant, 1,1,2,2-TetCA should be detectable using headspace analysis with a field GC. Standards should be run to verify detection limit requirements. The photoionization energy for 1,1,2,2-TetCA is 11.10 eV (HNU 1997). If a PID detector is used, then the lamp must be 11.7 eV.

GasTec produces a detection tube that will detect 1,1,2,2-TetCA in the 2-30 ppm range. The tube is also sensitive to chlorinated ethenes.

References

Photoionization Characteristics of Selected Compounds
HNU Systems, Inc., 12 pp, 1997

Protocol for Use of Five Passive Samplers to Sample for a Variety of Contaminants in Groundwater Adobe PDF Logo
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) Diffusion/Passive Sampler Team. DSP-5, 121 pp, 2007

Technical and Regulatory Guidance for Using Polyethylene Diffusion Bag Samplers to Monitor Volatile Organic Compounds in GroundwaterAdobe PDF Logo
Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC). DSP-3, 78 pp, 2004

Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods
U.S. EPA, SW-846 on line.