PID-based estimation of the concentration of aromatic and chlorinated VOCs in soil

A rapid method for estimating the total concentration of aromatic and chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil with a hand-held photoionization detector (PID) was developed to assist with recently adopted protocols for sample collection and handling. The results from sample screening can be used to rank the total concentration of VOCs or to answer a simple yes or no question with regard to a single value. Coupling a rapid method for estimating the total VOC concentration with sample collection and preparation procedures that limit substrate dissaggregation and exposure complements efforts to achieve site representative estimates for vadose zone contamination and efficient laboratory analyses. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 3: 193–200, 1999