Interlaboratory methods comparison for the total organic carbon analysis of aquifer materials

Robert M. Powell, Bert E. Bledsoe, Gary P. Curtis, Richard L. Johnson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

The total organic carbon (TOC) content of aquifer materials has been found to have significant effects on the movement of pollutants in the subsurface environment. Accurate quantification of TOC is therefore of great importance to research in groundwater contamination. However, large discrepancies have been observed when laboratories employing different methods determine TOC on the same aquifer material. This study was undertaken to evaluate the extent of these differences and examine their causes. Five subsurface samples were distributed and analyzed for both total carbon and total organic carbon by several instrumental techniques at four laboratories. Results indicate that when the material is adequately prepared with regard to homogeneity and removal of carbonate minerals, reasonably comparable values are obtained for all the instruments used, with the exception of a wet oxidation technique that is insufficiently oxidizing. Trends in subsurface research indicate a need for methods with improved accuracy and precision to lower detection limits and increase reliability. These methods will require standardization of analytical techniques, particularly sample preparation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1246-1249
Number of pages4
JournalEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume23
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry

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