Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
PM10 Particulate matter 10 µm or smaller
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
TCP Transportcontrolplan
TPH Totalpetroleumhydrocarbon
VOC Volatile organic compound
methylethylketone, diethyl ether, which is commonly just called ether, and hexanes are
examples of compounds that fall in this category. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs)
are any hydrocarbons from a petroleum source and commonly refer to fuels such as
gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel. Another common reference is to heavy metals, which
are any of the metallic elements from the lower part of the periodic chart [16].
A very important term that is not an abbreviation is hot . Normally we understand this
to mean that something is at a high temperature. In sampling we understand this to mean
that a sample has a high concentration of contaminant. Any sample with the word hot on
it thus should be handled especially carefully. Having hot on a label will also alert
laboratory personnel to the high concentrations. This can mean that the sample is handled
and analyzed in such a way as to obtain the best possible results.
1.15. OTHER WAYS OF SAMPLING AND REPRESENTING THE
ENVIRONMENT
There are many other ways of obtaining information about a field. Two of the most
important are ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and remote sensing. Ground-penetrating
radar might be considered remote sensing; however, it is not similar to most remote
sensing in that it involves moving a radar system over the soil surface. Remote sensing is
generally understood to involve taking or sensing the Earth's surface from an airplane or
satellite, but radar used in weather prediction can be considered a common example of
remote sensing.
1.15.1. Ground-Penetrating Radar
Ground-penetrating radar is a relatively recent development. An instrument emitting
radar waves is moved along the Earth's surface. Microwaves in the range of 80 to 1000
MHz (megahertz) are directed into the soil. Microwaves are reflected by buried objects
with differing dielectric or insulating properties, and the returning waves are detected by
a receiving antenna and displayed on a monitor. Such an instrument can locate
underground features and obstructions that can hinder or prevent sampling and/or
remediation. It can also prevent costly and embarrassing mistakes, such as cutting power
or communication lines. Likewise it can prevent the breaking of pipelines carrying water,
gas, fuel, or other materials. In the latter case it can prevent additional pollution,
contamination, or fire and explosion.
There are other methods of detecting buried objects. Any physical parameter that
varies with the composition of the soil will give a signal that can be detected and mapped.
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