Does method 5035 need to be used to sample soils for VOCs?
The IDEM recommends using SW-846 Method 5035 A, Appendix A, for sampling soils for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The traditional method of soil collection using four ounce jars has been shown to cause significant losses of VOCs during sample handling and storage. Further guidance on Method 5035 entitled “Supplemental Guidance for Sampling Soil and Waste Samples for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) [PDF]” has been developed by OLQ. Can peristaltic pumps be used to sample ground water? Peristaltic pumps may be used to sample most ground water parameters such as metals or semi-volatile organics. They may also be used to purge wells (assuming the depth to ground water is not too deep for the pump). They are problematic, however, for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Peristaltic pumps draw a vacuum and agitate the sample which affects VOC concentrations adversely and may bias the results. If the Data Quality Objective (DQO) of the project is not concerned with accuracy (e.g., you exp
