AWWA JAW10547

This study employed a laboratory system to investigate the effect of sampling variables on the recovery of volatile organics in water by using a peristaltic-pump sampler. A statistical 2 cubic factorial experimental design was used to study the relative importance of transport-line material, pumping rate, and the concentration of organic compounds. Other variables, such as sample lift and sample preservation, were also studied. The transport-line material had a statistically significant effect on the recovery of all compounds studied. The pumping rate, the concentration level, and the sample lift affected the recovery of those volatile organics with Henry's law constants greater than 10(-2) atm m3/mol. The preservation study showed that when sample bottles were only partially filled, they had to be preserved at 4 C or less so that they could be stored for at least two days without significant losses of the organic compounds. Includes 9 references, tables.