Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:1850:p60
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1850 (pt 60/117)
Character Range: 513388–516450

been exceeded). If the tube capacity is exceeded, the reported concentration will under-represent the actual site conditions.

9.5.1.2         Canisters
Whole air samples can be collected using specially prepared canisters (Summa canisters) which are sent to the field under vacuum and certified clean and leak-free. The canister is fitted with a calibrated regulator that, when opened, allows air to be drawn into the canister over a pre-set time period at a constant flow rate. Initial and final vacuums are recorded for each canister, as well as the vacuum when received at the laboratory.

9.5.1.3         Other methods
Whole air samples can also be collected using Tedlar® bags or syringes and glass vials.

    9.5.2          Passive methods
Passive methods can involve the use of a wide range of sorbent materials. These materials are available in a range of forms (badges, canisters, tubes, strips) where the collection of compounds is based on the diffusion of the compound to the surface of the sorbent material. Other samplers/systems are also available and can be used depending on the target analytes, required use and reporting limits.

The range of compounds that are commonly analysed with passive sorbents include petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ammonia, aldehydes, phenols and creosols, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen sulphide. Other compounds can be targeted using passive methods depending on the sorbent materials/housings used, the ability to assess uptake (diffusion) rates, and analysis methods. The limit of reporting varies depending on the sampler (sorbent material) used, the analysis method and the sample time.

Passive methods are generally considered to provide a qualitative measure of concentration; however, quantitative results may be obtained under certain conditions. This is dependent on the concentration present in air, the time sampled and, for some samplers, the movement of air past the sampler. The concentration is calculated based on diffusion principles (uptake rates). The reliability of the results should be assessed as part of the DQO process.

The use of a passive sampling system, selection of appropriate sampler (to adequately address the range of compounds required), sampling time and analysis method should be considered in the design of the sampling plan.

    9.5.3          Laboratory analytical methods
The analytical method(s) selected should be considered with respect to the target compounds, DQOs, the availability of analysis, and the advantages/disadvantages of each method.

Ambient air and soil vapour samples are generally analysed using methods sourced from the US EPA's Compendium of methods for the determination of toxic organic compounds in ambient air (TO-methods). Site assessors may wish to use alternative methods, in which case the alternative method should be at least as rigorous and reliable as the TO-methods. For further information on reference methods and alternative methods, see Schedule B3.

    10              Contaminant fate and