Toluene in Soil?

Bureau Veritas reviewed analytical results reported over a six month period (prior and post introduction of methanol sampling). An increased frequency of low level “hits” was identified as shown in Figure 1 below. For example, in BC the frequency increased from 0.9% to 4.6%. Of the samples that included toluene “hits”, 75% were between the RDL of 0.02ug/g and 0.05ug/g, and 90% were below 0.1ug/g. Furthermore, a number of toluene “hits” occurred in sandy or rocky soils at sites with no history of toluene use. Although toluene can be naturally occurring, it is associated with high organic content soils and not mineral soils. This suggested that contamination was introduced during sample collection or analysis.

Figure 1: Toluene-only “Hits” by Location

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Observations

Further investigation revealed the following potential sources:

• Toluene “hits” were site-dependent; 75% of sites had no hits, whereas other sites were up to 100% positive for toluene. This suggested transport or field sources rather than a laboratory problem.
• Laboratory method blanks associated with the “hits” were non-detect.
• Trip blanks, although submitted infrequently, were all non-detect. No field blanks were identified to have been submitted.
• Bureau Veritas’ standard container and methanol batch proofing procedures showed the vials were VOC-free when distributed.

The investigation was later expanded to include other sampling materials. A key finding was that packing tape often used to seal coolers and often used by field technicians to secure labels can contain high concentrations of toluene that may contribute to sample contamination (“hits”). Levels varied widely with brands and some examples are provided in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Toluene Levels Found in Packing Tape Brands

In addition, most tape products tested contained traces of other VOCs, but toluene was by far the principal VOC. One exception was Cantech 257-00, which contained 13 mg/kg acetone.

Controlled experiments were conducted in the laboratory on the two highest toluene-containing tapes (U-Line S6533 & S7593). They were left in proximity to sealed methanol vials with septa caps over a 5 day period. The data showed “hits” up to 0.16 ug/g, equivalent to 8 times the soil RDL of 0.02ug/. The effect was mitigated using solid cap vials, however detectable levels below the RDL were still observed. The toluene concentrations reported in this study are comparable to or greater than the low level “hits” identified in customer submitted samples.

Recommendations

In order to minimize the chance of the introduction of air borne toluene, Bureau Veritas recommends the following:

• Use low VOC tape to seal your cooler prior to shipping it to the laboratory. Bureau Veritas studies show that Intertape Packing Group 2008121 is the lowest toluene-containing product and performs equally well to other products.
• Avoid using packing tape on contents going into the cooler. Bureau Veritas studies show that bubble wrap and Ziploc® bags are toluene free.
• Keep motor vehicles distant from the site and never store vials in motor vehicles. Auto emissions are a major source of VOCs.
• Conduct a regular program of Trip Blanks and Field Blanks.
• Minimize the amount of time sample vials are open onsite. Field blank samples should be left open for the same amount of time as the sample vials.