A novel technique for detection of contaminated groundwater in situ

The authors have recently developed and patented a novel cone penetration technique (CPT) for detection of dissolved phase contamination in groundwater. The device is based upon traditional laboratory techniques of purge and trap stripping of volatiles from groundwater samples. The purging technique is applied downhole in a CPT probe to reduce the potential loss of volatiles during sample handling activities. Once the downhole sample is purged, the plume gas is transferred up a heated transfer line and analyzed using High-Speed Gas Chromatography (HSGC) techniques. The new vapor analyzers are rapid (detection in less than ten seconds) and has significantly improved detection limits over other vapor analyzers and CPT sensing approaches. A prototype of the CPT In Situ Purge (CISP) device has been preliminarily tested and the results: are presented along with future improvements that are planned for the Phase II effort being funded by the United States Department of Energy (DOE).