Method and apparatus for conducting field dissipation and leaching studies

摘要

A method for conducting field dissipation and leachate studies of a test substance includes the step of positioning a boundary column for defining a soil test zone into the ground. This may be done by driving the column into the ground. Next is the step of exposing a bottom end of the column substantially without disturbing the soil in the soil test zone. This is followed by the steps of collecting leachate from the soil test zone and analyzing the leachate collected. The method also includes the steps of recovering the soil test zone substantially intact as a core sample, cutting the core sample into segments and individually analyzing the segments for test substance dissipation both quantitatively and qualitatively. The column utilized to define the soil test zone is preferably constructed from 18 or 20 gauge galvanized steel and has a diameter of from 6 to 10 inches. The leachate collection apparatus may include a funnel and a collection container that are positioned beneath the column to collect all the leachate from the soil test zone.