In-situ Detection of Contaminant Plumes in Ground Water
1990
Seitz, W. R.
Ground-water contaminants can be detected in situ by making spectroscopic measurements through fiber optics. In addition to direct measurements, it is possible to couple fiber optics with chemical indicators that interact with the contaminants to enhance their detectability. Direct fluorescence measurements have been used to sensitively detect aromatic hydrocarbons in fossil fuels. Direct Raman measurements are also possible but can only detect relatively high concentrations (>0.1%). Parts per billion levels of nitroaromatics and halogenated hydrocarbons can be detected using indicators that react to form colored products. The rate at which the absorbance of the colored product increases in proportional to concentration. Refractive index measurements offer a rugged reversible approach to detecting organic contaminants in the low parts per million range. All of these techniques require further development before they can be reliably used on a routine basis. Other spectroscopy techniques are considered in the report but are not considered ready for in-situ ground-water monitoring at this time.
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