Sampling, waste characterization

Recommendation 4-2. The Army should define the quantity and characteristics of anticipated nonprocess waste streams and evaluate options for the final disposition of each type of waste. On-site processes should be developed and demonstrated for treating all agent-contaminated wastes. Methods of representative sampling and characterization of wastes should be developed to verify that treated wastes are free of agent to below appropriate risk thresholds. 

On occasion, however, even a non-statistician may be able to estimate a number of samples to be collected. Equation 11, Appendix 1, shows the calculation of the estimated number of samples that is used for hazardous waste characterization (EPA, 1996a). This equation assumes a normal distribution of individual concentrations and a limited number of samples (below 30). The calculation of the estimated number of samples is demonstrated in Example 2.3. 

Each chemical agent disposal facility has been issued a RCRA permit under the applicable state regulations. These permits establish the waste characterization requirements, the pertinent sampling/analysis methodologies, waste disposal methods, facility oper-... 

Solid-waste sampling and characterization is difficult because solid waste presents in varying quantities, components composition, and physicochemical characteristics. The difficulty is more intensive for municipal solid waste, because these parameters are highly dependent on the site and period of waste generation. 

After sampling and characterization of the waste of all areas, sampling results are expressed on a daily or weekly basis. Sampling must be avoided for two to three days after extreme weather conditions. 

Waste characterization can range from simple approximations to complex and costly sampling and analytical programs. As discussed, the most frequently used approximation method is to categorize average waste mixtures into the five HA classes. Types 0 through 4. 

The reliability of the final result at the end of the characterisation process cannot be evaluated in a simple way. The precision can be determined by internal control in the laboratory using certified standards. Consequently an intensive national and international collaboration for the exchange of information on waste samples and associated radio-analytical methods developed by different laboratories and institutions is needed. In France, some normalization working groups (M 60 commission) and laboratories collaborate with regard to effluent and waste characterization. The CETAMA network is a very active laboratory network conducted by the Atomic Energy Commission with the... 

Assists in identifying appropriate analytical laboratories to evaluate environmental samples (e.g., soil, water, sludge, waste, air) for characterizing hazards at a site. The system factors type of sample, suspected pollutants, user s needs for on-site evaluation, and laboratories locations, capabilities, and ( ualiricalions. 

Hazardous waste samples are small, discrete amounts of hazardous waste that are essential to ensure accurate characterization and proper hazardous waste treatment. In order to facilitate the analysis of these materials, RCRA exempts characterization samples and treatability study samples from Subtitle C hazardous waste regulation ... 

Backflushing of injected wastes can also be a good way to observe waste/reservoir geochemical interactions. Injected wastes are allowed to backflow (if formation pressure is above the elevation of the wellhead) or are pumped to the surface. Backflowed wastes are sampled periodically (and reinjected when the test is completed) the last sample taken will have had the longest residence time in the injection zone. Keely165 and Keely and Wolf166 describe this technique for characterizing... 

This chapter presents a characterization of the e-waste situation, particularly in terms of intervention attempts made in order to manage it safely. The more prominent agreements, policies, systems, and laws at the national and international level are surveyed. Samples are provided of the environmental and human consequences of large-scale movements of toxic e-waste to the developing world. Trends for the next several years are noted, too. 

In some cases, when petroleum and/or petroleum products are released to the environment, a free phase is formed and sample(s) of the hydrocarbon material can be collected directly for characterization. The ability to analyze free product greatly aids the determination of product type and potential source. The samples may be diluted prior to analysis EPA SW-846 3580 (waste dilution) gives some guidelines for proper dilution techniques. However, caution is advised since as part of the initial sample collection procedure, water and sediment may be included in the sample inadvertently. Several protocols involved in initial isolation and cleanup of the sample must be recognized. In fact, considerable importance attaches to the presence of water or sediment in crude oil (ASTM D1796, D4007), for they lead to difficulties in other analyses. 

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