Open-path Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (OP-FTIR) was used to conduct an air monitoring survey at a Fourier manufactured gas plant (FMGP) superfund site. This survey was performed in support and at the request of the Waste Management Division, U.S. EPA, Region VII. A three day study was conducted in which the OP- FTIR instrument was operated at several fenceline locations around the perimeter of the site in order to detect and quantify benzene emissions. Results of the survey indicated that benzene emissions correlate very closely with site excavation and soil processing activities. Varying concentrations of benzene were detected were and quantified in the field in near-real time. Laboratory analysis of the field data also indicated concentrations of ammonia and toluene at levels above the instrumental detection limit.

Date Published: 31 May 1995
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 2365, Optical Sensing for Environmental and Process Monitoring, (31 May 1995); doi: 10.1117/12.210799

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2365:
Optical Sensing for Environmental and Process Monitoring
Orman A. Simpson, Editor(s)