Analytical Requirements for an Air-Stripping Program

An analytical program must be established, capable of identifying and quantifying contaminants in a water source to be treated, in order to assess remedial technologies. MCLs (maximum contaminant levels) for volatile organic pollutants in micrograms per liter have been prescribed by the US EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency), based on continual improvements in detection techniques. 

US EPA published its initial list of 187 organic compounds found in US drinking water in 1975. Analyses were performed using GC-MS (gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy) and a packed column to separate organic compounds. Present-day analyses using a capillary column to separate compounds have increased the resolution of GC-MS detection several fold (7). 

Multiple goals must be achieved by analytical methods intended to assess contaminated water bodies, particularly where treatment levels and options will be considered. Objectives must include at least the following (8)  

Analytical programs must determine the types and concentrations of compounds present in order to allow the evaluation of various treatment methods. The relative economy of a particular technology is often dependent on the levels of contaminants to be treated. 

The variability of contaminant levels in the water supply must be considered. Groundwater, surface water, and industrial wastewater may all show variations in quality with time due to the effects of pumping, recharge, or process flow. A potential system must be capable of treating the range of influent water qualities encountered to acceptable limits. 

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