Gradient

Chemistry/Forensics

Overview
Example Projects

Overview

Forensic chemistry techniques are routinely implemented to develop defensible scientific conclusions regarding the source or age of chemical contamination. Such techniques require a combination of data interpretation skills, in-depth knowledge of analytical methodologies, and innovative statistical analyses. Gradient's scientists employ these techniques to differentiate sources, define release timing, and predict weathering for constituents such as petroleum hydrocarbons, fuels, tars, PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, solvents, and metals. In addition, our fate and transport modeling skills are often a useful adjunct to fingerprinting for source differentiation and release timing. We have even used "garbology" (also known as contemporary archeology), the study of  trash, often codisposed with hazardous materials, to understand the timing and content of chemical contamination.

Fingerprinting  techniques enable us to evaluate the relative abundance of different  contaminant components, thereby gaining an understanding of the sources of petroleum hydrocarbons, PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, solvents, and other chemicals released into the environment.

Example Publication:

Saxe, JK; Bowers, TS; Reid, KR. 2006. "Arsenic." In Environmental Forensics: Contaminant Specific Guide. (Eds.: Morrison, RD; Murphy, BL), Academic Press, Burlington, MA. p279-292.

Soil gradient

Example Projects

Forensic Chemistry for PCBs at a Rail Yard

Full Description

Gradient evaluated the nature and extent of PCB contamination at a former rail yard Superfund site as part of a cost allocation case. We reviewed more than 15 years of chemical data from soil, sediment, and groundwater samples and collected soil samples for advanced congener fingerprinting analysis using GC/MS-SIM to aid in determining the sources of contamination.

Evaluation of Sources of Residential Indoor Air Contamination

Full Description

Gradient evaluated possible sources of residential indoor air contaminants by reviewing historical data on NAPL releases in the area and collecting NAPL samples to determine the site's current state. We reviewed groundwater data, fingerprinting analyses, and reports of petroleum odor-related complaints to assess the relationship between indoor air quality and the presence of NAPL on the water table.

VOC Source Identification

Full Description

Gradient provided expert testimony on the sources of chlorinated solvents in a plume of contaminated groundwater adjacent to a former industrial site. We evaluated groundwater concentrations and contaminant travel times, directed the sampling and analysis of groundwater and NAPL for benzene via specialized carbon isotope analysis, and applied chemical fingerprinting techniques to distinguish industrial and non-industrial contaminant plumes.

Forensic Analysis of Waste Materials

Full Description

Gradient reviewed soil sample results to determine the origin of a waste material generated during a manufacturing process. We reviewed elemental analyses, physical characteristics such as grain size, as well as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses to identify the chemical or physical signatures that differentiated the waste material from other samples.