ERDC TR-13-5 "Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM) for Metallic Residues"

Heterogeneous distribution of metallic residues in surface soils creates unique challenges for collecting soil samples that provide representative and reproducible results. In particular, soils containing metal fragments at military training ranges, such as small-arms ranges, are especially problematic to analyze owing to their large compositional and distributional (i.e., spatial) heterogeneities. The recognition of the heterogeneous nature of energetic residues in surface soils at military training ranges resulted in significant changes to the field sampling and sample processing procedures for energetics as described in United States Environmental Protection Agency (USPEA) SW-846 Method 8330B. The incremental sampling methodology (ISM) of Method 8330B for energetics was modified to develop a similar approach for metals. The approach has been successfully implemented to analyze surface soils with metallic residues at several active and inactive military training ranges. In most cases, ISM produced results more representative and reproducible than results from conventional grab (i.e., discrete) sampling and analysis procedures for surface soils collected from small-arms ranges containing metallic residues. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR.