Analysis of HAPs in Process Liquids Using GC/FID: Method Performance and Case Study Results, 1999 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Jack R. Tuschall

James W. Andrews

Craig M. Ratkey

Myron J. Young

Savannah Laboratories & Environmental Services, Inc.

To address the Cluster Rule MACT standards that will require Kraft pulp mills to reduce by at least 92% the total hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in condensate liquids, NCASI has developed a method to measure the most prevalent HAPs. The method involves direct aqueous injection (DAI) into a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC/FID). Savannah Laboratories has been applying the DAI method in support of pulp mill studies to characterize the source of HAPs and allow pulp mill managers to assess the effectiveness of treatment processes in their plants.

To better understand the scope and limitations of the DAI method, we have established method performance statistics for 7 HAPs and acetone using laboratory control samples and spiked process samples. For each compound, we have determined the reporting limits, accuracy, and precision. In addition, selected data from three pulp mills are presented for process liquids, combined mill untreated wastewater, and treated effluent samples.